indictment

noun

in·dict·ment | \ in-ˈdīt-mənt

Definition of indictment

1 : 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

2a : the action or the legal process of indicting

b : the state of being indicted

3 : an expression of strong disapproval an indictment of government policy on immigrants

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing indictment Learn More About indictment

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 on the Web Over $100 billion in market value disappeared in days for nearly a dozen companies, and banks and prime brokers duped by Archegos lost billions, the indictment said. — CBS News, 27 Apr. 2022 In 2013, Hernandez allegedly accepted a bribe of $1 million from El Chapo to protect the Sinaloa drug cartel's activities in Honduras, the indictment said, adding that Hernandez allegedly sent associates armed with machine guns to collect the funds. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2022 The indictment said Benjamin, formerly a state senator from Harlem, and others acting at his direction or on his behalf also engaged in a series of lies and deceptions to cover up the scheme that stretched from 2019 to 2021. — chicagotribune.com, 12 Apr. 2022 The indictment said Benjamin, formerly a state senator from Harlem, and others acting at his direction or on his behalf also engaged in a series of lies and deceptions to cover up the scheme that stretched from 2019 to 2021. — Marina Villeneuve And Tom Hays, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Apr. 2022 An indictment said Chad and Lori Daybell in 2018 while still married to other people began espousing an apocalyptical system of religious belief. — The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2022 An indictment said Chad and Lori Daybell, in 2018 while still married to other people, began espousing an apocalyptical system of religious belief. — Rebecca Boone, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2022 Miller bought weapons and directed the other two soldiers to buy weapons, the indictment said. — Theresa Waldrop, CNN, 2 Apr. 2022 Once the members entered the U.S., administrators confiscated their identification forms and forced them to solicit money on the street for the church, the indictment said. — Jeong Parkstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2022 See More

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.

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Last Updated

12 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Indictment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indictment. Accessed 26 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for indictment

indictment

noun

in·dict·ment | \ in-ˈdīt-mənt

Legal Definition of indictment

1 : the action or the legal process of indicting

2a : 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