Indictment

usgb/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/
noun

A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

The grand jury returned an indictment against the mayor for corruption
Visual representation of "indictment" - A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime

Often appears as...

  • return an indictment
  • grand jury indictment

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "indictment"
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Legal Severity

Used for serious crimes, not minor offenses, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Illustration for Legal Severity
The indictment for embezzlement underscored the seriousness of the financial misconduct.
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Before Trial

An indictment happens before a trial, starting the legal process, not concluding it.

Illustration for Before Trial
After the indictment, the accused will prepare for the upcoming court battle.
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Grand Jury Role

A grand jury usually decides to indict someone, not a single judge.

Illustration for Grand Jury Role
The grand jury's indictment brought the corporate fraud case to the public's attention.
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Compare with

accusationallegationcensurechargedenunciationimpeachincriminateprosecutorial
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Visual representation of the word "Indictment"

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