Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Indictment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚖️
Add to dictionary

indictment

[ɪnˈdaɪtmənt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

An indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime. In the United States, an indictment is typically issued by a grand jury based upon a proposed charge presented by a prosecutor. It serves as a means to bring the accused to trial.

Synonyms

accusation, allegation, charge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
indictment

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

  • The grand jury issued an indictment against the suspect for fraud.
  • He is currently facing an indictment for embezzlement.
charge

Used when someone is officially accused of a crime by the police. It often implies legal proceedings are imminent.

  • The man was arrested and charged with theft.
  • She faces several charges, including assault and battery.
accusation

Generally used when someone is claiming that another person has done something wrong or illegal, not necessarily in formal legal contexts.

  • She made an accusation that her coworker had stolen her idea.
  • The teacher faced accusations of favoritism from several students.
allegation

Often used to describe an unproven claim or assertion, typically one that's serious or damaging. Can be used in both legal and non-legal contexts.

  • The allegations against the politician have not been proven in court.
  • He denied the allegations of misconduct.

Examples of usage

  • The grand jury returned an indictment against the suspect.
  • The prosecutor presented the indictment in court.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal History

  • Indictments have been part of judicial systems since ancient Rome, where formal charges were necessary to bring someone to trial.
  • In the U.S., the Fifth Amendment includes the concept of indictment, stating that serious crimes cannot be prosecuted without one.
  • The Grand Jury system, which issues indictments, dates back to the 12th century in England.

Pop Culture

  • Indictment has been featured in countless films and TV shows, often as a turning point in legal dramas.
  • In high-profile celebrity cases, the moment of an indictment can attract major media coverage, influencing public opinion.
  • The term is often used in political contexts, particularly during election seasons, where allegations and legal charges can impact campaigns.

Psychology

  • Facing an indictment can trigger a range of emotional responses, including fear, shame, and regret.
  • The perception of being indicted can affect an individual's mental health, impacting their relationships and career.
  • Public figures often experience heightened stress and anxiety after an indictment due to media scrutiny and public reaction.

Origin of 'indictment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'indictare', meaning 'to proclaim' or 'declare'.
  • In Middle English, it was adopted as 'inditen', referring to the legal declaration of wrongdoing.
  • The shift from Latin to Old French and then to English reflects the evolution of language through legal contexts.

The word 'indictment' originated from the Latin word 'indictare', which means 'to declare'. The concept of indictments dates back to ancient Roman law, where individuals were formally accused of crimes through a similar process. Over time, the practice of issuing indictments became a common legal procedure in many countries, including the United States.

See also: indict.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,355 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.