implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt How to pronounce implicate (audio)
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

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
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.
Research shows that intensive animal agriculture has been implicated in influenza viruses jumping from animals to people, and some believe this bird flu could even become the source of our next pandemic. Seema Policepatil, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024 Marian, who is strongly implicated in both the book and the limited series as Jean McConville’s murderer, is still alive, and denies any involvement in McConville’s death. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024 In the 1990s, the company was implicated in a price-fixing conspiracy. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2024 Hernandez was implicated in the July 2012 murders of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, who were shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Boston. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for implicate 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of implicate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near implicate

Cite this Entry

“Implicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/implicate. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

implicate

verb
im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt How to pronounce implicate (audio)
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 How to pronounce implicate (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on implicate

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