indictment

[ in-dahyt-muhnt ]

noun

1. an act of indicting.
2. Law. a formal accusation initiating a criminal case, presented by a grand jury and usually required for felonies and other serious crimes.
3. any charge, accusation, serious criticism, or cause for blame.
4. the state of being indicted.

indictment

/ ɪnˈdaɪtmənt /

noun

1. a formal written charge of crime formerly referred to and presented on oath by a grand jury
2. any formal accusation of crime
3. a charge of crime brought at the instance of the Lord Advocate
4. the act of indicting or the state of being indicted

indictment

1. A formal accusation of a crime, presented to the accused party after the charges have been considered by a grand jury .

Other Words From

• non·in·dict·ment noun
• re·in·dict·ment noun
• su·per·in·dict·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indictment¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; indict + -ment; replacing Middle English enditement, from Anglo-French ( indite )

Related Words

• allegation
• arraignment
• bill
• charge
• citation
• detention
• impeachment
• prosecution
• statement
• summons
• warrant