Indictment
noun /ɪnˈdaɪt.mənt/ — A formal charge of a serious crime issued by a grand jury.
Definition
A formal written accusation of a serious criminal offense, issued by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by a prosecutor. An indictment does not establish guilt — it establishes that there is sufficient evidence for a trial to proceed.
Beyond the definition
An indictment is the beginning, not the end — the formal accusation that says 'there is enough here to require an answer'. The weight of it falls before proof, before guilt.
Origin & history
From Medieval Latin 'indictamentum' (a formal accusation); from 'indictare' (to announce formally, to accuse); from 'in-' (in, toward) + 'dictare' (to declare).
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The indictment was unsealed on a Tuesday morning — by noon, it was everywhere.
Returning an indictment is not a conviction; grand juries see only one side — the prosecution's — and the standard is far lower.
'A grand jury will indict a ham sandwich', the saying goes — meaning they almost always do what the prosecutor asks.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Indictment” when the meaning fits your context: A formal written accusation of a serious criminal offense, issued by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by a prosecutor. An indictment does not establish guilt — it establishes that there is sufficient evidence for a trial to proceed.
Synonyms
charge, accusation, formal charge
Antonyms
acquittal, dismissal
Related words
Indictment vs arraignment
An indictment is a formal charge issued by a grand jury indicating sufficient evidence to prosecute. The arraignment is the subsequent court hearing where the defendant is formally told of charges and enters a plea.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Adult Holding Document In Court
An adult stands in a wood-paneled courtroom, holding a single, formal document, highlighting the weight of the legal process.
An indictment is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury. The document held in the court signifies the initiation of criminal proceedings, showing that sufficient evidence exists to proceed without yet determining guilt.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Indictment" mean?
Indictment is noun meaning: A formal charge of a serious crime issued by a grand jury.. A formal written accusation of a serious criminal offense, issued by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by a prosecutor. An indictment does not establish guilt — it establishes that there is sufficient evidence for a trial to proceed.
Where does the word "Indictment" come from?
From Medieval Latin 'indictamentum' (a formal accusation); from 'indictare' (to announce formally, to accuse); from 'in-' (in, toward) + 'dictare' (to declare).