Vocabulary word Criminate - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Crime and Lawlessness

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GRE 15 (Graduate Record Examination)

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SAT 19 (Scholastic Assessment Test)

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Dictionary Definition of criminate

To accuse or incriminate someone, typically by providing evidence or making allegations of their involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.
"The whistleblower's statement helped to criminate several high-ranking officials."

Detailed Meaning of Criminate

When someone is criminated, they are charged or implicated as a suspect or participant in an illegal activity. The act of criminating involves presenting evidence, testimonies, or other incriminating information that suggests the individual's guilt. It often involves formal legal proceedings or investigative processes where the aim is to establish a person's culpability or responsibility for a crime. Criminating someone implies attributing blame or pointing a finger at them based on the evidence or information available. It is an important step in the justice system, helping to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused and ensuring a fair and thorough examination of the facts surrounding the alleged offense.

Example Sentences for Criminate

1. The detective had strong evidence to criminate the suspect.
2. The witness refused to criminate anyone in the courtroom.
3. The video footage helped to criminate the accused.
4. The fingerprints found at the crime scene were used to criminate the perpetrator.
5. The prosecutor presented a compelling case to criminate the defendant.
6. The confession from the suspect was enough to criminate him.

Origin and Etymology of Criminate

The verb 'criminate' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'criminare,' which is derived from 'crimen,' meaning 'crime' or 'accusation.' The suffix '-ate' is often added to verbs in Latin to form new verbs, and in the case of 'criminate,' it signifies the action of making accusations or pointing to someone's involvement in a crime. Therefore, the etymology of 'criminate' conveys the act of accusing or incriminating someone, typically by presenting evidence or lodging allegations of their wrongdoing. This word's origin underscores its connection to the legal and accusatory context, where it is used to describe the process of charging someone with a crime or implicating them in a unlawful act.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb criminate:

clear

exonerate

accuse

absolve

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Criminate

1. The DNA test results were used to criminate the individual.
2. The surveillance footage helped to criminate the burglars.
3. The eyewitness testimony was crucial to criminate the gang members.
4. The forensic analysis was able to criminate the suspect's alibi.
5. The judge warned the jury not to automatically criminate the defendant.
6. The defense attorney tried to cast doubt on the evidence presented to criminate his client.
7. The investigation team was determined to criminate the mastermind behind the operation.
8. The prosecutor hoped to criminate the entire criminal organization.
9. The fingerprints found on the murder weapon were used to criminate the suspect.
10. The victim's dying words were used as evidence to criminate the assailant.
11. The surveillance camera captured the exact moment to criminate the thief.
12. The suspect's cellphone records were used to criminate him in the conspiracy.
13. The confession of an accomplice helped to criminate the main suspect.
14. The police were determined to find additional evidence to criminate the suspect.