indictment

noun in·dict·ment \ in-ˈdīt-mənt \

|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

Examples: indictment in a Sentence

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 (such as a grand jury) charging a person with an offense

3 : an expression of strong disapproval

an indictment of government policy on immigrants

See indictment defined for English-language learners

See indictment defined for kids

Examples of indictment in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of indictment from the Web

Crime Stoppers Atlanta has increased the reward to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case, Chafee said.

— campbell lutz, ajc, "Cops say new video, sketch connected to shooting outside wedding reception," 12 July 2018
In addition to the indictment, another issue tied to the Mueller investigation that has not been fully resolved in the courts is whether a sitting president must respond to a subpoena from investigators.

— mary clare jalonick, The Christian Science Monitor, "Democrats raise questions about Kavanaugh's views on executive power," 12 July 2018
According to the indictment, Lewis and Abellar stole textbooks worth $12,700 from instructors' offices at UW-Green Bay, $1,500 of books at UW-Whitewater, $3,700 worth from UW-Stout and about $6,200 worth of books at UW-River Falls.

— samantha west, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Two indicted in UW System textbook theft ring face up to 15 years in prison," 10 July 2018
Prior to the indictment, she was fired from her job with the water department following a disciplinary hearing.

— sheila vilvens, Cincinnati.com, "Former Clermont water resources employee sentenced for theft," 9 July 2018
Shook said the delay from when the incident happened, Oct.20, to the indictment, June 7, is unusual, but White had moved in that time and changed his number.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Cowboys' White faces assault charges for brandishing gun in road rage incident; attorney says he's innocent," 9 July 2018
The nonprofit offers cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest and indictment for crimes committed in Atlantic County.

— andrew seidman, Philly.com, "Death of two women found in Ventnor boardwalk condo called 'suspicious'," 8 July 2018
According to the indictment, Williams reportedly stole an AK-47 firearm and rented different vehicles prior to the robberies.

— mike danahey, Elgin Courier-News, "Bartlett duo indicted on charges they robbed banks in Aurora, Gurnee, Ottawa," 5 July 2018
On one occasion, according to the indictment, Williams attached stolen license plates to one of the rentals.

— frank abderholden, Lake County News-Sun, "FBI charges man, woman in string of suburban bank robberies using AK-47, including one in Gurnee," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indictment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of indictment

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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indictment Synonyms

Synonyms

charge, complaint, count, rap;

Related Words

accusation, allegation, plea;

crimination;

counteraccusation, countercharge;

arraignment, impeachment;

implication, imputation, innuendo, insinuation;

censure, condemnation, denunciation;

incrimination, recrimination;

Other Legal Terms

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

INDICTMENT Defined for English Language Learners

indictment

noun

Definition of indictment for English Language Learners

law : an official written statement charging a person with a crime
: the act of officially charging someone with a crime : the act of indicting someone
: an expression or statement of strong disapproval

Law Dictionary

indictment

noun in·dict·ment \ in-ˈdīt-mənt \

legal Definition of indictment

1 : the action or the legal process of indicting

2 a : a formal written statement framed by a prosecuting authority and found by a grand jury that charges a person or persons with an offense — compare complaint, information

b : bill of indictment at bill 3b