implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

transitive verb

1

a

: to bring into intimate or incriminating connection

evidence that implicates him in the bombing

b

: to involve in the nature or operation of something

2

: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : imply

3

archaic : to fold or twist together : entwine

Synonyms

• enlace
• entwine
• interlace
• intertwine
• intertwist
• interweave
• inweave
• lace
• ply
• twist
• weave
• wreathe
• writhe

Examples of implicate in a Sentence

His business partner was implicated in the theft.

the implicated vines did form a most restful garden bower

Recent Examples on the Web

The current agenda implicates U.S. economic and national security policy with consequences that may be too dire to bear. —Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

The ruling from the nation’s highest court came moments after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court granted an RNC request in a separate case implicating ballots in the key swing state. —Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024

But court records say that just 48 hours after the homicide, Oakland police received an anonymous call implicating Neal, and provided Neal’s phone number. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024

Of the 48 candidates implicated in the scandal, 28 lost their parliament races. —Takehiko Kambayashi, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English implicaten "to convey (a truth) in a fable," borrowed from Latin implicātus, past participle of implicāre "to fold about itself, entwine, entangle, involve, embroil" (Medieval Latin also, "to imply, mean by implication"), from im- im- + plicāre "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3

Note: See also imply, employ entry 1.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

: to show to be connected or involved

evidence that implicates him in the robbery

Legal Definition

implicate

transitive verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

1

: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference

firing the federal employee because of her protest implicates the First Amendment

2

: to connect to a crime