self-incrimination

noun

self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-in-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-incrimination (audio)
Synonyms of self-incriminationnext
: 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
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.
ActBlue cofounder Matt DeBergalis invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination multiple times on Thursday during a closed-door deposition in a congressional investigation of the Democratic fundraising platform. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026 McDaniel invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when questioned during the hearing about information presented to the board during his time as the district's finance director. — CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 In July, Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a congressional hearing on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 The decision comes after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination during a hearing on the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-incrimination

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-incrimination was in 1848

Rhymes for self-incrimination

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Browse Nearby Words

self-incriminating
self-incrimination
self-induced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-incrimination

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for self-incrimination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-incrimination

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