indictment

noun

in·​dict·​ment in-ˈdīt-mənt How to pronounce indictment (audio)
Synonyms of indictmentnext
1
: a formal written statement framed by a prosecuting authority and found by a jury (such as a grand jury) charging a person with an offense
2
a
: the action or the legal process of indicting
b
: the state of being indicted
3
: an expression of strong disapproval
an indictment of government policy on immigrants

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of indictment in a Sentence

The grand jury has handed down indictments against several mobsters. No one was surprised by her indictment. She intended the film to be an indictment of the media.
Recent Examples on the Web That device, the indictment said, cost around $18,000. —Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024 Jesus Lujan, principal at Borman Elementary, and Lindsay Lujan, director of special programs for the district, are each facing a charge of unlawful use of the school district’s internal mail system for political advertising, according to the indictments. —Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indictment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indictment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indictment was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing indictment

Dictionary Entries Near indictment

indiction

indictment

indie

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Indictment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indictment. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

indictment

noun
in·​dict·​ment in-ˈdīt-mənt How to pronounce indictment (audio)
1
: the act or process of indicting
2
: an official written statement charging a person with a crime

Legal Definition

indictment

noun
in·​dict·​ment in-ˈdīt-mənt How to pronounce indictment (audio)
1
: the action or the legal process of indicting
2
a
: a formal written statement framed by a prosecuting authority and found by a grand jury that charges a person or persons with an offense compare complaint, information
b
: bill of indictment at bill 3b

More from Merriam-Webster on indictment

Nglish: Translation of indictment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of indictment for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about indictment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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