# indict

/ˌɪnˈdaɪt/ (US) · /ɪndˈaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indict
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to formally accuse someone of a crime in a court of law. It is the first step before a trial starts.

For teachers: to formally accuse a person of a crime in a court of law. Transitive — requires a direct object, typically the defendant.

## Examples

- The grand jury decided to indict the mayor.
- After a thorough investigation, the district attorney chose to indict the suspect on several counts of fraud.
- The decision to indict the high-ranking official sent shockwaves through the political community, as it marked the first time such a figure had been formally charged in decades.

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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.