indictment

noun

in·dict·ment | \ in-ˈdīt-mənt

Definition of indictment

1a : 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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about indictment

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Synonyms for indictment

Synonyms

charge, complaint, count, rap

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

While many overdoses are still deemed accidental, local prosecutors in recent months obtained grand jury indictments for first-degree murder charges against a half-dozen individuals. — Marc Freeman, sun-sentinel.com, "Florida law now treats drug dealers as killers — and it’s bringing a rise in murder cases," 14 June 2019 The month after the indictment, Kohler died of a heart attack that looked, to many, to have been caused by shock. — Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, "“The Westing Game,” a Tribute to Labor That Became a Dark Comedy of American Capitalism," 13 June 2019 The indictment cites that he was motivated to commit the crimes because of the religious character of the properties. — Tanya A. Christian, Essence, "Louisiana Church Arson Suspect Charged With Hate Crime," 13 June 2019 Since the indictment last year, the Hunters have entered U.S. court in San Diego separately with their own attorneys and also have left separately. — Time, "Wife of Rep. Duncan Hunter Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charge, Faces 5 Years in Prison," 13 June 2019 Assange faces an 18-count indictment that accuses him of soliciting and publishing classified information and of conspiring with former Army private Chelsea Manning to crack a Defense Department computer password. — CBS News, "U.S. submits formal extradition request to UK for WikiLeaks' Julian Assange," 12 June 2019 But, prosecutors suddenly dropped the 16-count indictment against Smollett in March. — Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY, "Jussie Smollett shares first Instagram post since alleged attack during Pride month," 10 June 2019 Underneath the sparkling surface lurks an indictment of sexism in the literary world. — Madeleine Schwartz, Harper's magazine, "Warm, Weird, Effervescent," 10 June 2019 Some of it is more newsworthy, but of questionable veracity: Wolff claims that Mueller drafted an indictment of Trump but chickened out. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, "Is There a Right Way to Cover the Trump White House?," 6 June 2019

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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More Definitions for indictment

indictment

noun

English Language Learners Definition of indictment

: 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

See the full definition for indictment in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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