incriminate

/ɪnˈkrɪməˌneɪt/

Other forms: incriminating; incriminated; incriminates

Is your homework in shreds and the dog chewing something? Then you can incriminate poor Fido for eating your homework. To incriminate someone (or some dog) of a crime, is more than just accusing them; it's offering some evidence they're guilty.

To incriminate someone is to show or prove their guilt with "incriminating evidence." Some famous historical examples of incriminating evidence: When President Nixon declared "I am not a crook," those pesky Watergate tapes suggested otherwise. Or when Lady Macbeth couldn't stop washing her imaginary blood-stained hands? Hmmmm.... Pretty incriminating.

Definitions of incriminate

1. verb

   suggest that someone is guilty
   synonyms: imply, inculpate

   type of:

   evoke, paint a picture, suggest

   call to mind
2. verb

   bring an accusation against; level a charge against
   synonyms: accuse, criminate, impeach

   types:

   reproach, upbraid

   express criticism towards

   arraign

   accuse of a wrong or an inadequacy

   recriminate

   return an accusation against someone or engage in mutual accusations; charge in return

   charge, file, lodge

   file a formal charge against

   impeach

   charge (a public official) with an offense or misdemeanor committed while in office

   type of:

   accuse, charge

   blame for, make a claim of wrongdoing or misbehavior against