verb (used with object), in·crim·i·nat·ed, in·crim·i·nat·ing.
1.
to accuse of or present proof of a crime or fault: He incriminated both men to the grand jury.
2.
to involve in an accusation; cause to be or appear to be guilty; implicate: His testimony incriminated his friend. He feared incriminating himself if he answered.
3.
to charge with responsibility for all or part of an undesirable situation, harmful effect, etc.: to incriminate cigarettes as a cause of lung cancer.
Origin: 1720–30; < Late Latinincrīminātus past participle of incrīmināre to accuse. See in-2, criminate
1730, from M.L. incriminatus, pp. of incriminare "to incriminate," from in- "not" + criminare "to accuse of a crime," from crimen (gen. criminis) "crime" (see crime).