Indict: meaning, definitions and examples
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indict
[ ɪnˈdaɪt ]
legal
Formally accuse of or charge with a serious crime.
Synonyms
accuse, arraign, charge, impeach.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
indict |
This word is used in legal contexts when someone is formally charged with a serious crime by a grand jury.
|
charge |
This can be used both formally and informally when someone is officially accused of a crime or wrongdoing.
|
accuse |
This is a more general term used when someone says another person has done something wrong or illegal.
|
arraign |
This term is used in a legal setting when someone is brought before a court to respond to a criminal charge.
|
impeach |
Used specifically in political contexts when a public official is charged with misconduct while in office. It often carries negative connotations.
|
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.
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
Etymology
The word 'indict' comes from the Latin word 'indictare', which means 'to declare or accuse'. The legal use of the word dates back to the 14th century in English law. It has been used in the context of formal accusations and charges, especially in criminal proceedings. Over time, 'indict' has become a common term in legal language to refer to the process of accusing someone of a serious crime.
See also: indictment.
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.
- ...
- 25758 underestimation
- 25759 blandly
- 25760 discreditable
- 25761 indict
- 25762 technocratic
- 25763 gazette
- 25764 troth
- ...