Convict and convict are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words convict and convict, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences.
Convict (CON vickt) is a noun that means someone who is sentenced to prison for a crime. A convict has been tried, found guilty, and is serving a sentence for a legal transgression that may be of a violent or nonviolent nature. The word convict is derived from the Latin word, convictus, which means to overcome. The word convict is often shortened to the abbreviation, con.
Convict (kun VICKT) is a verb that means to prove that someone is guilty of a crime or to convince someone that he is guilty of a sin. Related words are convicts, convicted, convicting, conviction. The word convict is also derived from the Latin word, convictus.
Examples
Convict sentenced to life in prison without parole for homicide of West Jordan couple (Gephardt Daily)
Campbell waived for Mouritsen a common requirement of drug testing for convicts on probation “based on the court’s determination that you pose a low risk of future substance abuse.” (The Standard-Examiner)
Rallies for racial justice have renewed in the U.S. after a grand jury found one officer guilty of a felony charge of wanton endangerment for firing rounds into Taylor’s adjacent apartment, which was occupied, but did not convict the officers for her death. (The Bangor Daily News)
Was Jesus using these healings as parables to convict the disciples of their lack of faith (Mark 8:18)? (The Adventist Review)