indictment

noun

in·​dict·​ment in-ˈdīt-mənt How to pronounce indictment (audio)
1
: a formal written statement framed by a prosecuting authority and found by a jury (such as a grand jury) charging a person with an offense
2
a
: the action or the legal process of indicting
b
: the state of being indicted
3
: an expression of strong disapproval
an indictment of government policy on immigrants

Examples of indictment in a Sentence

The grand jury has handed down indictments against several mobsters. No one was surprised by her indictment. She intended the film to be an indictment of the media.
Recent Examples on the Web In his submission, which was signed under penalties of perjury, Rotta made several false statements, according to the new indictment. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024 Many of those members returned to the United States, often illegally, and re-joined MS-13 cliques that had expanded to dozens of states including New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Texas, California and Nevada, according to the indictment. Cnn, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indictment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indictment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indictment was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near indictment

Cite this Entry

“Indictment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indictment. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

indictment

noun
in·​dict·​ment in-ˈdīt-mənt How to pronounce indictment (audio)
1
: the act or process of indicting
2
: an official written statement charging a person with a crime

Legal Definition

indictment

noun
in·​dict·​ment in-ˈdīt-mənt How to pronounce indictment (audio)
1
: the action or the legal process of indicting
2
a
: a formal written statement framed by a prosecuting authority and found by a grand jury that charges a person or persons with an offense compare complaint, information
b
: bill of indictment at bill 3b

More from Merriam-Webster on indictment

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