1 indictment | Definition of indictment

indictment

noun
in·​dict·​ment | \ in-ˈdÄ«t-mənt How to pronounce indictment (audio) \

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

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Synonyms for indictment

Synonyms

charge, complaint, count, rap

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

Schnaubelt and Dilettoso are scheduled to appear at Maricopa County Superior Court on Sept. 17, the indictment said. Chelsea Hofmann, azcentral, "2 men indicted on charges of illegal gambling enterprise out of Phoenix bar," 5 Sep. 2019 The first indictment in November 2014 was dismissed without prejudice on Sept. 1, 2015, after MSG didn’t testify. oregonlive, "Terry Bean’s lawyer, alleged victim’s lawyer colluded for months to get accuser to stay silent, new documents allege," 30 Aug. 2019 Watson found out about the indictment late Tuesday afternoon, the day it was issued, and immediately called Thompson’s office. Erika Butler, baltimoresun.com, "Harford judge sets bail at $375K for man charged with manslaughter in Route 24 crash," 29 Aug. 2019 In addition to Capital One, the indictment identifies three other entities that were targets. SFChronicle.com, "France, US work on digital tax; more choices for iPhone repairs," 29 Aug. 2019 The indictment contains new details on what Levandowski allegedly stole from Alphabet. Alison Griswold, Quartz, "“Silicon Valley is not the Wild West”: Anthony Levandowski faces criminal charges for stealing trade secrets," 28 Aug. 2019 Tuesday’s indictment is drawing mixed reviews in Silicon Valley. Charles Duhigg, The New Yorker, "How the Anthony Levandowski Indictment Helps Big Tech Stifle Innovation in Silicon Valley," 28 Aug. 2019 Once co-conspirators based in Nigeria, the United States and other countries persuaded victims to send money under false pretenses, the two Nigerian men who lived in Southern California coordinated the receipt of funds, the indictment says. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "Nigerian men in California oversaw a romance scam that targeted women worldwide, feds say," 23 Aug. 2019 Once co-conspirators based in Nigeria, the United States and other countries persuaded victims to send money under false pretenses, the two Nigerian men who lived in Southern California coordinated the receipt of funds, the indictment says. Faith Karimi, CNN, "2 Nigerian men in California oversaw a romance scam that targeted women worldwide, feds say," 23 Aug. 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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First Known Use of indictment

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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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

indictment

noun
in·​dict·​ment | \ in-ˈdÄ«t-mənt How to pronounce indictment (audio) \

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

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