indictment
4 synonyms for indictment, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A formal accusation charging someone with a crime.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
charge sheet
formal charge
bill of indictment
How to use indictment
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
face an indictment
a damning indictment
hand down an indictment
Etymology
A later, Latinized respelling of Middle English endytement, from Old French enditer, "to accuse."
Full origin of indictment →Frequently asked questions
What does “indictment” mean?
The word “indictment” means a formal accusation charging someone with a crime. In plain terms, a formal criminal charge, or more broadly, a harsh judgment that something has failed badly.
How do you pronounce “indictment”?
“Indictment” is pronounced ihn-DYT-muhnt (/ɪnˈdaɪt.mənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “indictment” in a sentence?
Here is “indictment” used in a sentence: “The indictment listed twelve counts of fraud.”
What part of speech is “indictment”?
“Indictment” is a noun.
Where does the word “indictment” come from?
The word “indictment” comes from Latin. A later, Latinized respelling of Middle English endytement, from Old French enditer, "to accuse.".
Is “indictment” a common word?
“Indictment” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “indictment” have?
“Indictment” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal accusation charging someone with a crime.
What is the difference between an indictment and a conviction?
An indictment is a formal accusation charging someone with a crime, while a conviction is the outcome of a trial finding a person guilty. Being indicted means facing formal charges, not being found guilty.
How is indictment used as a criticism rather than a legal term?
Indictment can describe strong criticism suggesting something is deeply flawed or has failed, as in 'the report is an indictment of the system.' In this figurative sense, no crime or court is involved.
What is the difference between an indictment and an arrest?
An arrest is the act of taking a person into custody, whereas an indictment is the formal charging document that lays out the accusation against them. A person can be indicted without first being arrested, or arrested before an indictment is issued.
