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

In a situation with E. coli, the organism is found in the guts of animals and can contaminate meat or soil, so having either hamburgers or onions implicated is biologically plausible. —Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Stories in the American press have refuted that claim, and more directly implicated the Biden Administration in the crisis. —Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

The type of bacteria that has been implicated in this outbreak is E. coli O157:H7. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024

As of October 22, 2024, diced onions and beef patties used on other McDonald's burgers have not been implicated in the infections. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 23 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