First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
implicate
verb im·pli·cate \ˈim-plə-ˌkāt\
: to show that someone or something is closely connected to or involved in something (such as a crime)
im·pli·cat·edim·pli·cat·ing
Full Definition of IMPLICATE
transitive verb
1
: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : imply
2
archaic : to fold or twist together : entwine
3
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
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Origin of IMPLICATE
Middle English, to convey by implication, from Medieval Latin implicatus, past participle of implicare, from Latin, to entwine, involve — more at employ
Related to IMPLICATE
- Synonyms
- enlace, entwine, intertwine [archaic], interlace, intertwist, interweave, inweave, lace, ply, twist, weave, wreathe, writhe
Rhymes with IMPLICATE
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IMPLICATE Defined for Kids
implicate
verb im·pli·cate \ˈim-plə-ˌkāt\
im·pli·cat·edim·pli·cat·ing
Definition of IMPLICATE for Kids
: to show to be connected or involved <He's been implicated in the crime.>
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