indict

/in'dait/

Thân thiện

The grand jury decided to indict the suspect.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To formally accuse someone of a serious crime, typically by the action of a grand jury based on an examination of evidence, which results in a formal written charge (an indictment) being issued.

Usage

• The verb "indict" is used in a legal context. It describes the official act of charging a person with a crime, which is a step that occurs after an investigation and before a trial.
• It is often followed by the preposition "for" to specify the crime, or "on charges of" to specify the formal allegations.
• The person or entity who brings the indictment is usually a prosecutor or a grand jury. The object of the verb is the person being accused.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The grand jury decided to indict the former CEO for fraud.
  • He was indicted on charges of conspiracy and money laundering.
  • Despite the public outcry, the prosecutor lacked sufficient evidence to indict the suspect.

Advanced Usage

• "to be indicted as": To be formally accused in the specific role of something (e.g., a co-conspirator).
  • She was indicted as an accessory to the crime.
• The process and terminology (e.g., grand jury indictment) are specific to certain legal systems, like that of the United States.

Variants and Related Words

• Indictment (n): The formal written statement accusing a person of a crime; the act of indicting.
  • The indictment listed three separate charges.
• Indictable (adj): (Of an offense) rendering the person who commits it liable to be indicted.
  • Grand theft is an indictable offense.

Synonyms

• Charge: To make a formal accusation against.
• Arraign: To call or bring (a defendant) before a court to answer a criminal charge.
• Prosecute: To institute legal proceedings against (a person or organization).

Antonyms

• Acquit: To free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty.
• Exonerate: To absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of the case.
• Vindicate: To clear (someone) of blame or suspicion.

Related Phrases

• "hand down an indictment": The formal act of issuing an indictment.
  • The grand jury handed down a ten-count indictment.
• "under indictment": The state of having been formally charged with a crime.
  • The official resigned while under indictment for bribery.

Học thuật

Verb

1. accuse formally of a crime