convict
Definitions
To find or declare someone guilty of a crime in a court of law
（在法庭上）判定有罪，定罪
A person who has been found guilty and is serving a prison sentence
囚犯，服刑者
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (thoroughly) + victus (conquered) = to win the case against an accused person — to defeat them in court so completely that they are declared guilty. The verb (con-VICT) became a noun (CON-vict) for the person who lost that battle: a prisoner.
Root vinc still carries 31 more wordsUsage Guide
Stress shifts with part of speech: the verb is con-VICT (to find guilty), the noun is CON-vict (a prisoner). Verb pattern: 'convict someone OF a crime.' Contrast with the noun conviction (the guilty verdict).
Example Sentences
- 1.
The jury voted to convict him on all three charges.
- 2.
She was convicted of fraud and sentenced to five years.
- 3.
An escaped convict was recaptured near the border.