self-incrimination

noun

self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-in-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən 

: incrimination of oneself

specifically : the giving of testimony which will likely subject one to criminal prosecution

Examples of self-incrimination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The right to remain silent has its origins in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects against self-incrimination. —Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 26 Nov. 2024

During the investigation into Trump’s classified documents, Patel refused to testify against Trump before a federal grand jury, asserting his fifth amendment right against self-incrimination. —Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 1 Dec. 2024

The Fifth Amendment protects against self-incrimination. —Brian Walker, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Several courts have ruled that, even in instances where police have a warrant to search someone’s phone, the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination means investigators can’t compel a suspect to tell them their phone password. —Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

self-incrimination

noun

self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion

ˌsel-fin-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən

: incrimination of oneself

especially : the giving of evidence or answering of questions which would leave one liable to be tried for a crime

Legal Definition

self-incrimination

noun

self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion

ˌself-in-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən

: incrimination of and by oneself especially through testimony see also privilege against self-incrimination at privilege