indictment

in·dict·ment

noun \in-ˈdīt-mənt\

Definition of INDICTMENT

1

a : the action or the legal process of indicting b : the state of being indicted

2

: a formal written statement framed by a prosecuting authority and found by a jury (as a grand jury) charging a person with an offense

3

: an expression of strong disapproval <an indictment of government policy on immigrants>

Examples of INDICTMENT

1. The grand jury has handed down indictments against several mobsters.
2. No one was surprised by her indictment.
3. She intended the film to be an indictment of the media.

First Known Use of INDICTMENT

14th century

Related to INDICTMENT

Synonyms: complaint, count, charge, rap

Related Words: accusation, allegation, plea; crimination; counteraccusation, countercharge; arraignment, impeachment; implication, imputation, innuendo, insinuation; censure, condemnation, denunciation; incrimination, recrimination

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Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with INDICTMENT

alightment, excitement, incitement