implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

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

Synonyms

• enlace
• entwine
• interlace
• intertwine
• intertwist
• interweave
• inweave
• lace
• ply
• twist
• weave
• wreathe
• writhe

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

For example, your Honor, if there is a joint investigation, that implicates certain discovery obligations in the Manhattan DA case that they—that if that case is proceeding, we'll be entitled to discovery. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

However, there was no DNA evidence implicating any of the three men accused of assaulting her. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

In addition to the financial conflict of interest, Prince Mohammed was also implicated by U.S. intelligence agencies in the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, which the Trump administration refused to investigate. —Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 2024

Some ACMDs that directly affect interstate movement and implicate federal interests may be addressed by federal legislation. —Alden Abbott, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

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 

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