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Indict: meaning, definitions and examples

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indict

 

[ɪnˈdaɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal

Formally accuse of or charge with a serious crime.

Synonyms

accuse, arraign, charge, impeach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indict

This word is used in legal contexts when someone is formally charged with a serious crime by a grand jury.

  • The grand jury decided to indict the businessman for fraud.
  • He was indicted on multiple counts of embezzlement.
charge

This can be used both formally and informally when someone is officially accused of a crime or wrongdoing.

  • The police charged him with burglary.
  • She was charged with falsifying documents.
accuse

This is a more general term used when someone says another person has done something wrong or illegal.

  • She accused him of stealing her wallet.
  • They were accused of lying to the authorities.
arraign

This term is used in a legal setting when someone is brought before a court to respond to a criminal charge.

  • The suspect was arraigned in front of the judge this morning.
  • He was arraigned on charges of murder.
impeach

Used specifically in political contexts when a public official is charged with misconduct while in office. It often carries negative connotations.

  • The parliament voted to impeach the president for corruption.
  • He was impeached for violating the constitution.

Examples of usage

  • The rapper was indicted on weapons charges.
  • The committee indicted him for fraud.
  • The grand jury decided not to indict the suspect.
  • The prosecutor plans to indict the CEO for embezzlement.
  • The judge ordered to indict the suspect for perjury.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'indictare', meaning 'to declare or announce'.
  • In Old French, it became 'indict' before entering English in the late 14th century.
  • The legal term has been used in English law since its adoption in the 1300s.

Law and Justice

  • Typically, an indictment is issued by a grand jury, which is a group of citizens who review evidence.
  • In the U.S., an indictment is often required for serious felonies, ensuring that legal action is taken with sufficient evidence.
  • The process of indictment allows for checks and balances, preventing unwarranted legal actions.

Cultural References

  • Indictments are frequently featured in crime dramas and legal thrillers, highlighting the tension of the legal process.
  • The term appears in famous cases, such as the Watergate scandal, showcasing its impact on media and public perception.
  • Indictments have been used in political rhetoric, often symbolizing accountability among public officials.

Psychological Perspective

  • The act of indicting someone reflects societal views on justice and the need for accountability.
  • Psychologically, being indicted can have significant repercussions on an individual’s mental health, often leading to anxiety and stress.
  • Studies show that high-profile indictments can influence public opinion and shape perceptions of guilt or innocence.

International Law

  • Many countries have similar legal processes, where formal accusations are necessary to proceed with serious charges.
  • International tribunals issue indictments for war crimes, emphasizing the global demand for justice.
  • Some nations have differing thresholds for what constitutes an indictment, reflecting their legal systems and cultural values.

Translations

Translations of the word "indict" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indiciar

🇮🇳 आरोप लगाना (ārop lagānā)

🇩🇪 anklagen

🇮🇩 menuduh

🇺🇦 звинувачувати

🇵🇱 oskarżać

🇯🇵 起訴する (kiso suru)

🇫🇷 inculper

🇪🇸 acusar

🇹🇷 suçlamak

🇰🇷 기소하다 (gisohada)

🇸🇦 يتهم (yattahim)

🇨🇿 obvinit

🇸🇰 obviniť

🇨🇳 起诉 (qǐsù)

🇸🇮 obtožiti

🇮🇸 ákæra

🇰🇿 айыптау

🇬🇪 ბრალდება (braldeba)

🇦🇿 ittiham etmək

🇲🇽 acusar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,761, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.