Indict

Definition

Indict is a transitive verb meaning to formally accuse someone of a serious crime, typically by the issuance of an indictment by a grand jury or competent authority; more broadly (figurative), to charge or strongly criticize.

Parts of Speech

• Verb (transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ɪnˈdaɪt/
• Respelling: in-DYTE

British English

• IPA: /ɪnˈdaɪt/
• Respelling: in-DYTE

Etymology

Middle English (originally spelled endite in legal use): from Anglo-Norman French enditer, based on Latin indictāre “to declare, proclaim,” from indicere “proclaim.” The modern spelling with silent c reflects later Latin influence. Not to be confused with indite (“to compose or write”).

Derivatives

• indicted (past; past participle)
• indicting (present participle/gerund)
• indictment (noun) — a formal written charge; also, a strong condemnation
• indictable (adjective) — liable to be charged by indictment; indictable offense
• unindicted (adjective) — not charged by indictment
• indictor (noun, rare) — one who indicts
• indictee (noun) — a person who has been indicted
• pre-indictment (adjective/modifier) — occurring before an indictment

Synonyms

• charge (formally)
• accuse
• bring charges against
• file an indictment against

Antonyms

• exonerate
• acquit
• absolve
• clear
• dismiss (charges)
• decline to prosecute

Usage

Legal (primary): In many jurisdictions (e.g., U.S. federal system), a grand jury may indict a defendant, after which the person is typically arraigned. The verb usually takes a person as object and a prepositional phrase for the offense.

• “A grand jury indicted the defendant on four counts of fraud.”
• “Prosecutors indicted her for embezzlement.”

Figurative: Used to mean “to accuse or condemn strongly.”

• “The report indicts the agency’s culture of secrecy.”

Common collocations: indict someone on charges/counts (of), indict someone for (an offense), return/hand up an indictment.

Related Terms

• Indictment: The formal written accusation returned by a grand jury.
• Arraign: To bring a defendant before a court to hear charges and enter a plea (procedurally follows indictment).
• Information (law): A formal criminal charge made by a prosecutor without a grand jury.
• True bill / No bill: Grand jury decisions to indict or not indict.
• Prosecute: To conduct criminal proceedings against (distinct from the act of indicting).

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To formally accuse (someone) of a serious crime by indictment — to charge following a grand jury or authorized process.
  • Example: “The grand jury indicted the executives on conspiracy and wire-fraud counts.”
• (Figurative) To accuse or denounce strongly — to condemn as responsible for wrongdoing or failure.
  • Example: “The documentary indicts the industry’s environmental record.”