Implicated
/ˈɪmplɪkeɪtɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo show that someone is closely connected to a crime or wrongdoing; to involve someone in something, usually of a negative nature.
/ˈɪmplɪkeɪt/
To show or suggest that someone is involved in a crime or wrongdoing.
The investigation implicated the CEO in the financial fraud.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is always around when things go wrong. If someone is implicated, it's like we have evidence that they were probably involved, even if they didn't directly do it. It's like connecting the dots.
👶 For kids: It means to show someone was probably part of something bad.
More Examples
His statement implicated his colleagues in the cover-up.
The email implicated the manager in the misuse of funds.
How It's Used
"The evidence strongly implicated him in the robbery."
"The report implicated several officials in the scandal."
To show that something is closely connected to a result, usually suggesting a consequence or effect.
/ˈɪmplɪkeɪt/
To be the consequence of something.
The new evidence implicates the importance of early education.
💡 Simply: Imagine you eat a lot of candy and then get a tummy ache. If something implicates something else, it's like saying the first thing is probably the reason for the second thing. The candy implicates a tummy ache!
👶 For kids: It means to show that one thing leads to another.
More Examples
The change in policy implicates a shift in the company's strategy.
His poor performance implicates a lack of training.
How It's Used
"The study's findings implicate significant lifestyle changes."
"The data implicated a causal relationship between the two factors."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *implicare* meaning 'to involve, entangle'.
Used since the early 17th century.
Memory tip
Think of 'im-in' + 'plicate' (fold in). It means to fold someone *in* to a bad situation.
Word Origin
"to involve, entangle"