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verb C1 Advanced

implicate

IHMP-lih-kayt

Implicate (verb) means to show that someone is involved in something wrong or criminal. Example: “The witness statement implicated two other suspects.”

verb
1
To show that someone is involved in something wrong or criminal.
"The witness statement implicated two other suspects."
"New evidence implicated him in the fraud scheme."
2
To suggest or imply something as a natural consequence.
"The findings implicate stress as a major factor in the illness."

How to use implicate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo connect someone to a crime or wrongdoing, or to suggest something logically follows.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "implicit" — implicate is a verb meaning to involve or accuse; implicit is an adjective meaning unstated.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
implicate someone in a crime

Word forms

more implicate comparative, implicated past tense, implicates plural, implicates singular, most implicate superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The witness statement _____ two other suspects.

Etymology

From Latin implicatus, past participle of implico ("to entangle, involve"), from plico ("to fold"). A doublet of imply and employ.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for implicate

See all rhymes for implicate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “implicate” mean?

The word “implicate” means to show that someone is involved in something wrong or criminal. In plain terms, to connect someone to a crime or wrongdoing, or to suggest something logically follows.

How do you pronounce “implicate”?

“Implicate” is pronounced IHMP-lih-kayt (/ˈɪmplɪkeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “implicate” in a sentence?

Here is “implicate” used in a sentence: “The witness statement implicated two other suspects.”

What part of speech is “implicate”?

“Implicate” is a verb.

Where does the word “implicate” come from?

The word “implicate” comes from Latin. From Latin implicatus, past participle of implico ("to entangle, involve"), from plico ("to fold"). A doublet of imply and employ.

How many meanings does “implicate” have?

“Implicate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to show that someone is involved in something wrong or criminal.

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