C1nounformal10K+

Indictment

UK /["/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/"]/US /["/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/"]/

Definition

a sign that a system, society, etc. is very bad or very wrong

In simple words: A formal accusation that someone has committed a crime.

Examples

  • The grand jury returned an indictment against the suspect for fraud.
  • After the indictment was issued, the defendant’s lawyer prepared a strong defense.
  • The indictment marks the formal accusation that allows the case to proceed to trial.
  • Without an indictment, the prosecution cannot legally move forward with charges.
  • The indictment served as evidence of serious legal trouble for the company executives.

Usage notes

Used mainly in legal contexts. Appropriate in court settings, legal documents, or professional discussions about crime. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

indictment + of someone/something

Memory hint

Think of 'in-dict-ment' like dictating an accusation in court.

Collocations

  • devastating
  • powerful
  • damning
  • criminal
  • felony
  • federal
  • bring
  • file
  • issue
  • accuse somebody of something
  • allege something
  • charge (somebody/​something with something)
  • in a/​the indictment
  • on indictment
  • indictment against
  • criminal
  • felony
  • federal
  • bring
  • file
  • issue
  • accuse somebody of something
  • allege something
  • charge (somebody/​something with something)
  • in a/​the indictment
  • on indictment
  • indictment against

Synonyms

  • charge
  • accusation
  • allegation
  • claim
  • notification

Antonyms

  • acquittal
  • exoneration
  • dismissal

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'indict' (the verb form).
  • Using 'indictment' in informal settings.
  • Mistaking it for a synonym of 'punishment' instead of 'accusation'.