convict

1 of 3

noun

con·​vict ˈkän-ˌvikt How to pronounce convict (audio)
Synonyms of convict
1
: a person convicted of and under sentence for a crime
2
: a person serving a usually long prison sentence

convict

2 of 3

verb

con·​vict kən-ˈvikt How to pronounce convict (audio)
convicted; convicting; convicts

transitive verb

1
: to find or prove to be guilty
The jury convicted them of fraud.
2
: to convince of error or sinfulness

intransitive verb

: to find a defendant guilty
Remarkably, two of the jurors boldly dug in their heels and pressed to convict.—John Grisham

convict

3 of 3

adjective

con·​vict kən-ˈvikt How to pronounce convict (audio)
archaic
: having been convicted

Synonyms of convict

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Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of convict in a Sentence

Noun a warning that the three escaped convicts were armed and dangerous Verb There is sufficient evidence to convict. He was convicted in federal court. The jury convicted them on three counts of fraud. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Back in April 2025, the country singer guest starred on CBS’ Fire Country, playing a healthcare worker and former convict. — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 The show, which follows an ex-convict who seeks revenge on the lawyer who represented him, stars Javier Bardem, Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson, and is produced by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
Verb
The 63-year-old Davis was convicted Monday of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and could be sentenced to life in prison. — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 If jurors are not willing to convict on Davis’ words alone, then the physical evidence — or lack of it — will be key. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convict

Word History

Etymology

Verb, Noun, and Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French convicter, from Latin convictus, past participle of convincere to refute, convict

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of convict was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing convict

Browse Nearby Words

conveyorize
convict
convict goods
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convict. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

convict

1 of 2 verb
con·​vict kən-ˈvikt How to pronounce convict (audio)
: to find or prove guilty

convict

2 of 2 noun
con·​vict ˈkän-ˌvikt How to pronounce convict (audio)
: a person serving a prison sentence

Legal Definition

convict

1 of 2 transitive verb
con·​vict kən-ˈvikt How to pronounce convict (audio)
: to find guilty of a criminal offense
was convicted of fraud
compare acquit

convict

2 of 2 noun
con·​vict ˈkän-ˌvikt How to pronounce convict (audio)
: a person convicted of and serving a sentence for a crime
Etymology

Transitive verb

Latin convictus past participle of convincere to find guilty, prove, from com- with, together + vincer to conquer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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