English Lexicon

Indictment

/ɪnˈdaɪt.mənt/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #4500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

    "The grand jury returned a three-count indictment against the former official."
  2. 2

    A thing that serves to illustrate that a system or situation is bad and deserves condemnation.

    "The high poverty rate is a damning indictment of current economic policies."

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Synonyms (2)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Old French enditer, from Latin indictare meaning 'to proclaim' or 'to dictate'. The term evolved in Anglo-French legal terminology to denote a formal written accusation charging a person with a crime.

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