indictment

Definition of indictment

A formal written statement charging someone with a criminal offense, typically issued by a grand jury as part of legal proceedings.

Origin of indictment

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: indictare

Original meaning: to proclaim or declare

How it evolved: The term evolved from its Latin roots through Old French 'enditer,' eventually taking on its legal connotation in Middle English as a formal criminal charge.

The word 'indictment' originates from the late Middle English period, derived from Old French and Latin roots referring to legal declarations.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember indictment

Think of 'indictment' as 'in' + 'dict' (to say or declare) + 'ment' (the result of), meaning a formal declaration of wrongdoing.

Synonyms for indictment

• accusation
• allegation
• charge
• arraignment
• prosecution
• denunciation
• claim
• complaint

Antonyms of indictment

• acquittal
• exoneration
• vindication
• pardon
• absolution

indictment in a Sentence

1. The grand jury issued an indictment against the corporation for alleged environmental violations.
2. Her book was not just a memoir but also a scathing indictment of systemic inequality in education.
3. The prosecutor presented compelling evidence to support the indictment, leaving little room for doubt.

indictment in Literature & Culture

The word 'indictment' is often used in legal dramas, political speeches, and journalistic critiques to signal accountability or wrongdoing, making it a powerful term in public discourse.

Usage Notes

Although 'indictment' is pronounced as 'in-dite-ment,' the 'c' is silent. This is a common source of confusion for learners. It often carries a serious or formal tone due to its legal implications.

Why indictment Matters for GRE & SAT

This word frequently appears on the GRE in legal, political, or societal contexts. It's important for test-takers to recognize its meaning and connotations in analytical writing or reading comprehension passages.

Word Family

indict (verb)

To formally accuse or charge someone with a crime.

indictable (adjective)

Capable of being charged with a crime.

indication (noun)

A sign or piece of information pointing to something.

Did You Know?

• Despite its serious legal tone, 'indictment' has been used metaphorically in literature and politics to criticize societal issues.
• The silent 'c' in 'indictment' is a result of Middle English adapting the spelling from Latin while retaining the Old French pronunciation.
• A famous line by Martin Luther King Jr. in his 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' can be seen as an indirect indictment of passive complicity in societal injustices.

Related Words

• arraignment
• litigation
• prosecution
• incrimination
• culpability

More Vocabulary Words Starting with I

• iconoclastic — challenging or overthrowing tradition or established beliefs
• identify — To recognize or establish what something is
• identify — To recognize or be able to name someone or something
• ideologue — a person who advocates an ideology
• ideology — A system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of a theory
• ideology — A system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of a theory
• idiosyncratic — peculiar to an individual or group; unique
• illuminate — To help clarify or explain something
• illusory — unreal or based on illusion
• illustrate — To explain or make something clear by using examples or diagrams