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DictionaryfifthProtection against self-incrimination
noun

fifth

The US constitutional right not to give evidence against oneself.

The witness takes the fifth when asked about his own actions.

Etymology
fifthOld Englishfifth

The expression shortens Fifth Amendment, referring to the amendment’s place in the US Bill of Rights. Taking the Fifth invokes its protection against compelled self-incrimination.

More examples

  • Her lawyer advises her to plead the fifth.
  • Invoking the fifth does not amount to an admission of guilt.
  • When asked who ate the last cookie, I jokingly plead the fifth.

Forms

fifth