Word: implicate (verb)

Associations

The word "implicate" means to show that someone is involved in a crime or wrong act. It often has a serious tone, usually used in legal or moral contexts.

• Example 1: "The evidence could implicate him in the robbery." Here, it suggests that the evidence connects him to the crime.
• Example 2: "Her comments may implicate the company's management in unethical practices." This indicates that her remarks suggest the management's involvement in wrongdoing.
• Example 3: "The report aimed to implicate several officials in the scandal." In this case, the report attempts to link the officials to immoral activities.

One well-known synonym is "incriminate." The main difference is that "implicate" is broader and does not always mean someone is guilty but suggests involvement, while "incriminate" usually implies guilt.

Substitution

Similar phrases you could use instead of "implicate" include:

• "involve" – This is more general and does not imply wrongdoing.
• "connect" – This suggests a relationship but is less formal than "implicate."
• "link" – Similar to connect but often used to show evidence rather than direct involvement.

Deconstruction

The root of "implicate" comes from the Latin word "implicare," where "in-" means "in" or "into," and "plicare" means "to fold." This leads to the idea of folding or intertwining someone into a situation, highlighting their connection to it.

Inquiry

• In what situations can you think of where someone might be implicated without being guilty?
• Can you recall a movie or a novel where a character was implicated in a crime? What led to that implication?
• How do you think the word "implicate" changes the perception of a person's involvement in a situation?