noun
indictment
ihn-DYT-muhnt
noun
1
A formal accusation charging someone with a crime.
"The indictment listed twelve counts of fraud."
2
A strong criticism suggesting something is deeply flawed or has failed.
"The scandal was seen as an indictment of the whole regulatory system."
How to Use Indictment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal criminal charge, or more broadly, a harsh judgment that something has failed badly.
Common pairings
face an indictment
a damning indictment
hand down an indictment
Word Forms
indictments plural
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The _____ listed twelve counts of fraud.
Etymology
A later, Latinized respelling of Middle English endytement, from Old French enditer, "to accuse."