# DNC

/ˈdiˌɛnˌsi/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dnc
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

to decide not to charge someone with a crime after they have been arrested. This is an old legal term that means the case will not go to court.

For teachers: to enter a formal record that the prosecutor or plaintiff will not proceed with a legal action. Derived from the Latin 'nolle prosequi', it functions as a voluntary dismissal of charges.

## Examples

- The prosecutor decided to DNC the case due to lack of evidence.
- After the key witness changed her story, the district attorney chose to DNC the charges against the defendant.
- While the state had sufficient grounds for an indictment, the strategic decision to DNC allowed investigators to pursue a more significant target in the hierarchy of the criminal organization.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically appears in legal or police contexts; often used as a shorthand for 'nolle prosequi'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.