Standard Lemma guide

Mirandize

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • US: /mɪˈɹændaɪz/

1

verb

Meaning 1

To inform someone who has been arrested of their constitutional rights.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, transitive

Topics: government, law-enforcement

Examples

  • 1981. Television program Hill Street Blues, Season 1, Episode 7, "Film At Eleven". Lt. Furillo: Be sure to Mirandize them, Ray.
  • [1997. New York State Bar Journal, "Volume 69" We credit Judge John G. Gabbert of California with the first reported usage of "Mirandize" [...] ]
  • [2007. Anu Garg, "The dord, the diglet, and an avocado or two" To mirandize is to advise people under arrest of their legal rights, such as the right to remain silent under questioning, the right to legal counsel, etc.]
  • 2012. Garrett Graff, "The Threat Matrix" There was also a fierce debate over whether to Mirandize the detainees immediately. “You wouldn't Mirandize an American in this situation,” Knowles argued with Justice Department officials.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Miranda + -ize. The former refers to the US Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, after Ernesto Miranda.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: jmd. belehren (über seine Rechte) — Translations
  • German: jmd. seine Rechte vorlesen — Translations
  • Spanish: mirandizar — Translations
  • Spanish: explicar los derechos — Translations