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 endeavor ultimately showed how the group's interdependent dynamic made for constant self-incrimination and insensitivity masquerading as selflessness. —Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 10 July 2025

O'Connor declined to answer questions during a deposition scheduled for Wednesday in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government, asserting physician-patient privilege as well as his right against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment. —Elena Moore, NPR, 9 July 2025

In a statement, O’Connor’s legal counsel cited physician-patient privilege and constitutional rights against self-incrimination. —Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 9 July 2025

He’s got to play the sort of movie star, but it’s got to be undercut with this layer of self-incrimination. —Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-incrimination

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

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