noun
Uncommon
indictment
ihn-DYT-muhnt
Indictment (noun) means a formal accusation charging someone with a crime. Example: “The indictment listed twelve counts of fraud.”
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."
"The poor test results are a damning indictment of the school's teaching."
"Critics called the long waiting lists an indictment of the health service."
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like indictment.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- indictments
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ listed twelve counts of fraud.
Etymology
A later, Latinized respelling of Middle English endytement, from Old French enditer, "to accuse."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
