English vocabulary · C1
Indict
/ɪnˈdaɪt/ · v.
It means to officially charge someone with a crime.
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Example sentences
- The grand jury chose to indict the mayor.
- Federal agents moved to indict three company leaders.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- in — at (from Latin)
- dict — say (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- CHARGE — formally blame for a crime (General & Common)
- ACCUSE — say someone did wrong (Informal & Direct)
- PROSECUTE — take someone to trial (Legal & Formal)
Words with the same root
dict — say
- predict — to say what will happen before it happens
- verdict — an official decision after a trial
- contradict — to say the opposite of something
Lesson notes
Indict. It means to officially charge someone with a crime.
Similar words are charge, accuse, and prosecute. Use indict when a court formally names someone for a crime.
The grand jury chose to indict the mayor. Federal agents moved to indict three company leaders.
From Latin. In- means at. Dict- means say. Saying a charge straight at someone in court — that is indict.