indictment
A formal written statement that officially accuses someone of a serious crime. It can also be used to describe something that shows how bad a system or situation is.
Exemples
3 sur 5The poor test scores were a sad indictment of the failing school system.
The poor test scores were a sad indictment of the failing school system.
The grand jury returned an indictment against the politician for corruption.
The grand jury returned an indictment against the politician for corruption.
His messy apartment is an indictment of his lifestyle.
His messy apartment is an indictment of his lifestyle.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
Look at the word: 'In-DICT-ment'. A 'dictator' (DICT) speaks with authority. Imagine an official 'speaking' a charge against someone in court, but remember the 'c' is silent like a secret.
Quiz rapide
The grand jury decided to ______ an indictment against the suspect for fraud.
Correct !
La bonne réponse est : hand down
Exemples
The poor test scores were a sad indictment of the failing school system.
everydayThe poor test scores were a sad indictment of the failing school system.
The grand jury returned an indictment against the politician for corruption.
formalThe grand jury returned an indictment against the politician for corruption.
His messy apartment is an indictment of his lifestyle.
informalHis messy apartment is an indictment of his lifestyle.
The study serves as a historical indictment of the previous government's policies.
academicThe study serves as a historical indictment of the previous government's policies.
The company is facing a federal indictment for illegal trading practices.
businessThe company is facing a federal indictment for illegal trading practices.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Famille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
under indictment
officially charged with a crime and waiting for trial
indictment of society
a sign that society is failing or has serious problems
bring an indictment
to formally present charges in court
Souvent confondu avec
An indictment is a formal accusation before a trial, while a conviction is the final verdict of being guilty after a trial.
An indication is a general sign or suggestion, whereas an indictment is a specific legal or critical accusation.
Notes d'usage
Though it is a legal term, it is frequently used in journalism and social commentary to criticize a person or system. Remember that the letter 'c' is silent when speaking.
Erreurs courantes
Many learners incorrectly pronounce the 'c' in the word; it should sound like 'in-DITE-ment'. Learners also confuse it with 'prosecution', which is the whole legal process, not just the charge.
Astuce mémo
Look at the word: 'In-DICT-ment'. A 'dictator' (DICT) speaks with authority. Imagine an official 'speaking' a charge against someone in court, but remember the 'c' is silent like a secret.
Origine du mot
From the Anglo-French word 'enditement', meaning to accuse or write down a formal charge.
Modèles grammaticaux
Contexte culturel
In the United States legal system, a grand jury must often issue an indictment before a person can be tried for a serious felony.
Quiz rapide
The grand jury decided to ______ an indictment against the suspect for fraud.
Correct !
La bonne réponse est : hand down
Vocabulaire associé
A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their...
defendantA defendant is a person or organization that is being accuse...
juryA group of ordinary people chosen to listen to the facts of...
lawsuitA lawsuit is a legal case where one person or group brings a...
verdictA verdict is the official decision made by a jury or judge i...
felonyA felony is a very serious crime, such as murder or armed ro...
Plus de mots sur law
prosecutor
A1A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to show a court that someone has committed a crime.
defendant
A1A defendant is a person or organization that is being accused of a crime or is being sued in a court of law. This person is required to answer the legal charges brought against them by another party.
plaintiff
A1A person or group who brings a legal case against another in a court of law. They are the ones starting the lawsuit because they believe they have been wronged.
jury
A1A group of ordinary people chosen to listen to the facts of a trial in a court of law. They listen to the evidence and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty.
lawsuit
A1A lawsuit is a legal case where one person or group brings a disagreement to a court of law for a judge to decide. It usually happens when someone wants money or a specific action from another person because of a problem or injury.
proof
A1Proof is a fact or a piece of information that shows something is true. In a legal context, it is what a person uses to convince a judge or jury that a crime happened.
misdemeanor
A1A misdemeanor is a minor crime that is less serious than a felony. It is usually punished by a fine or a short period of time in a local jail rather than a state prison.
sentence
A1A sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who has been found guilty of a crime. It explains how much time a person must spend in prison or how much money they must pay as a fine.
bail
A1Bail is a sum of money paid to a court so that a person who has been accused of a crime can stay out of jail until their trial starts. If the person shows up for their court date, the money is usually returned.
fraud
A1Fraud is the illegal act of tricking someone to get their money or property. It is a crime where a person lies or hides the truth to gain an unfair advantage.
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