Arraign: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a legal context when formally bringing someone before a court to answer criminal charges.

• The suspect was arraigned in court yesterday on charges of robbery.
• He was arraigned before a judge and pleaded not guilty.

Used officially when someone is formally alleged to have committed a crime, especially by police or a legal authority.

• The police charged him with assault.
• She was charged with attempting to bribe an official.

Generally used when someone is saying that another person has done something wrong or illegal.

• She accused him of stealing her bracelet.
• They were accused of breaking into the house.

A legal term used when a grand jury formally accuses someone of a serious crime.

• The grand jury indicted the businessman on several counts of fraud.
• He was indicted for conspiracy and money laundering.

Used in legal contexts when someone is formally charged with a crime in court.

• The defendant was arraigned before the judge on charges of fraud.
• The suspect will be arraigned in court next week.

A general term used in a variety of contexts to mean asking someone about something. Can range from casual inquiries to more formal or detailed questioning.

• The teacher questioned the student about the homework.
• The journalist questioned the politician about the new policy.

Used in a scenario where someone is being questioned aggressively, often associated with police or military investigations. Can have a negative connotation.

• The police interrogated the suspect for hours.
• She felt like she was being interrogated when they kept asking her so many questions.

Used when investigating closely or looking into details. This can apply both in formal settings like examinations or investigations, and in everyday contexts.

• The detective examined the evidence carefully.
• The doctor examined the patient for signs of illness.