Word
indictment
Phoneticsin·dict·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈdaɪtmənt/
UK/ɪndˈaɪtmənt/
Definitions
01legal charge
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal
n. a formal, written statement that accuses someone of a serious crime.
n. a formal written accusation as a preliminary step to a criminal trial, typically issued by a grand jury.
“The grand jury issued an indictment against the executive for fraud.”
“The federal indictment detailed twenty-four counts of conspiracy and money laundering, effectively ending the politician's career before the trial even began.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'for' followed by the crime, or 'against' followed by the person.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02sign of failure
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a sign that a system, situation, or way of life is very bad or failing.
n. an expression or piece of evidence that serves as a strong condemnation of a particular system or practice.
“The high poverty rate is a sad indictment of the country's economic system.”
“The report serves as a damning indictment of the prison system, highlighting systemic neglect and a total lack of rehabilitation resources.”
Usage
Commonly follows the pattern 'an indictment of' something.
Teaching tip
In this figurative sense, the word is often paired with adjectives like 'damning', 'sad', or 'scathing'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “indictment” in context.
Verb
01. hand down an indictment
“The grand jury is expected to hand down an indictment later this afternoon.”
verb + adv + noun
02. secure an indictment
“Prosecutors worked tirelessly for months to secure an indictment against the CEO.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. damning indictment
“The report is a damning indictment of the government's handling of the crisis.”
adj + noun
04. scathing indictment
“The documentary serves as a scathing indictment of the country's failing healthcare system.”
adj + noun
05. sealed indictment
“The suspect was unaware that a sealed indictment had been filed against him weeks ago.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. indictment for fraud
“He is currently facing a federal indictment for fraud and money laundering.”
noun + prep + noun
07. indictment of the status quo
“The widespread protests were a clear indictment of the status quo in the banking sector.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“Since 2020, Israeli civilians and soldiers have killed more than 1,100 Palestinians there, and there has been only one indictment over those deaths.” Etymology
18th-century Latinized respelling of Middle English endytement (“action of accusing”), from Anglo-Norman enditement, from enditer, from Late Latin indictāre, from Latin indictus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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