Indictment

Definition

A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/
• Respelling: in-DITE-muhnt (with "in" as in "tin," "DITE" as in "light," and "muhnt" as in "blunt")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/
• Respelling: in-DITE-muhnt (with "in" as in "tin," "DITE" as in "light," and "muhnt" as in "blunt")

In both dialects, "indictment" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "DITE." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-DITE-muhnt."

Etymology

Derived from the Old French word "enditement" and the Latin word "indictare" meaning "to declare or announce", stemming from "in-" (expressing negation) + "dictare" (to say).

Derivatives

• Indict (verb)
• Indictable (adjective)
• Indictor (noun)
• Indicted (verb, past tense)
• Indicting (verb, present participle)

Synonyms

• Accusation
• Charge
• Complaint

Antonyms

• Acquittal
• Exoneration
• Discharge

Usage

"Indictment" is commonly used in legal contexts to describe the process by which a person is formally charged with a crime. It is a crucial part of the criminal justice system, ensuring that individuals are given a fair trial.

Related Terms

• Prosecution
• Arraignment
• Subpoena
• Verdict
• Conviction

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Indictment (Noun, Legal): A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.
  • Example: "The grand jury handed down an indictment for the suspect involved in the robbery."

• Indictment (Noun, Criticism): A thing that serves to illustrate that a system or situation is bad and deserves to be condemned.
  • Example: "The report is an indictment of the government's poor handling of the crisis."

Note: The term "indictment" is primarily used in legal contexts to refer to formal charges brought against a person. However, it can also be used more generally to denote any serious accusation or criticism.