Word
indictment
Meanings
a formal written charge accusing someone of a serious crime
a strong public statement or clear sign that something is wrong or has failed
Definition
An indictment is a formal written accusation that someone has committed a serious crime.
An indictment is an official document that charges a person with a crime, usually a serious one. In many legal systems, it is issued after prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury or similar body. It does not prove guilt, but it allows the case to proceed in court.
Examples
- The prosecutor announced the indictment at a press conference, but the defendant’s lawyer immediately challenged the evidence.
- I was surprised by the indictment, because the investigation had seemed to be losing momentum for months.
- She read the indictment carefully and noted how narrowly it defined the alleged events.
- They treated the report as an indictment of the agency’s culture rather than a critique of one individual.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse indictment (a formal accusation) with conviction (a decision that someone is guilty).
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