What does indictment mean?
An indictment is a formal accusation, most commonly a written legal charge stating that a person or organization has committed a crime. In criminal proceedings, an indictment is made by a prosecuting authority and may be followed by a trial or, in some legal systems, a plea agreement. The word can also be used figuratively to describe a forceful public condemnation, as in calling a report an indictment of a policy or institution. It is more legally precise than “accusation” and generally more solemn than “charge,” although both words can overlap in meaning. The legal sense dominates modern usage, while the figurative sense conveys serious criticism rather than merely expressing doubt or displeasure.
A formal legal charge made against a person or organization, typically alleging the commission of a crime.
"A grand jury returned an indictment against the former official."
Usually used in criminal-law contexts; the precise procedural meaning varies between legal systems.
A forceful public condemnation of a person, organization, or action.
"The editorial was a severe indictment of corporate negligence."
This figurative sense is formal and strongly evaluative.
The plural is “indictments.”
"Prosecutors withdrew two of the six indictments."
An indictment is an accusation with legal teeth: it formally charges a person or organization with a crime.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indictment come from?
The word entered English in the late Middle English period through Anglo-Norman and Old French forms related to “endictement.” These descended from Latin “indicare,” meaning “to declare, state, or accuse,” formed from the prefix “in-” and “dicere,” meaning “to say.” The same Latin root underlies English words such as “indicate,” “dictate,” “predicate,” and “verdict.”
How indictment is actually used
In legal contexts, “indictment” usually refers to a formal criminal charge and is more specific than the general word “accusation.” Its figurative use is formal and strongly condemnatory.
Easily confused with indictment
An indictment is the formal charge itself, while to indict is the act of formally accusing someone of a crime.