indictment
Pluralindictments
- 1A formal charge saying that someone may have committed a crime, brought before a court.
Like an official notice that says someone must answer for a possible crime in court.
The grand jury handed down an indictment against the former mayor.
After months of investigation, prosecutors sought an indictment.
Similarcharge, accusation
Note
- 2A strong statement that blames someone or something for being wrong or bad.
Like pointing a finger and saying loudly that something is badly wrong.
The report was a clear indictment of the company's safety record.
Her speech became an indictment of greed and corruption.
Similarcondemnation, criticism, denunciation, censure
Oppositeendorsement, praise
Note
- 3A sign or proof that something has failed or is being done badly.
Like a low grade that shows clearly the work was not good enough.
The crumbling roads are an indictment of years of neglect.
The team's collapse was an indictment of weak leadership.
Similarcondemnation
Oppositevindication
Note
- 4The official paper that lists the crimes a person is charged with.
Like an official list that names each crime a person must answer for.
The judge read the indictment aloud in the courtroom.
Defense lawyers studied every line of the indictment.
Note
Practice
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Origin
An 18th-century Latin-style respelling of Middle English endytement, meaning the act of accusing.