verb
indict
ihn-DYT
Indict (verb) means to formally charge someone with a crime. Example: “The grand jury voted to indict the former executive on fraud charges.”
verb
1
To formally charge someone with a crime.
"The grand jury voted to indict the former executive on fraud charges."
How to use indict
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo formally accuse someone of a crime, typically through a grand jury.
Common mistake
The "c" is silent — it's pronounced "in-DYTE," not "in-DIKT." Don't confuse with "indite," an old word meaning "to write."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
indict on charges
indicted for fraud
grand jury indicts
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- indicts
- Past tense
- indicted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The grand jury voted to _____ the former executive on fraud charges.
Etymology
From Middle English enditen, "to accuse," from Old French enditer, ultimately from Latin indicere, "to proclaim." The unusual "c" spelling was added later to echo the Latin form, though it isn't pronounced.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “indict” mean?
The word “indict” means to formally charge someone with a crime. In plain terms, to formally accuse someone of a crime, typically through a grand jury.
How do you pronounce “indict”?
“Indict” is pronounced ihn-DYT (/ɪnˈdaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “indict” in a sentence?
Here is “indict” used in a sentence: “The grand jury voted to indict the former executive on fraud charges.”
What part of speech is “indict”?
“Indict” is a verb.
Where does the word “indict” come from?
The word “indict” comes from Latin. From Middle English enditen, "to accuse," from Old French enditer, ultimately from Latin indicere, "to proclaim." The unusual "c" spelling was added later to echo the Latin form, though it isn't pronounced.
