C1noun formal 10K+

Indictment

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/"]/

Meaning of Indictment

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.

Indictment in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Indictment

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.

Related words

Collocations with Indictment

• 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 for Indictment

• charge
• accusation
• allegation
• claim
• notification

Opposites of Indictment

• acquittal
• exoneration
• dismissal

Common mistakes with Indictment

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

Frequently asked questions about Indictment

What does Indictment mean?

A formal accusation that someone has committed a crime.

What is the definition of Indictment?

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

How do you use Indictment in a sentence?

The grand jury returned an indictment against the suspect for fraud.

Can you give another example of Indictment?

After the indictment was issued, the defendant’s lawyer prepared a strong defense.

What are synonyms for Indictment?

Common alternatives include charge, accusation, allegation, claim, notification.

What is the opposite of Indictment?

Opposite meanings include acquittal, exoneration, dismissal.

What words go with Indictment?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Indictment?

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

How do you pronounce Indictment?

US: /["/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/"]/, UK: /["/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Indictment formal or informal?

"Indictment" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Indictment?

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

What CEFR level is Indictment?

"Indictment" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.