Indicted Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈdaɪtɪd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

Indicted refers to the act of formally accusing someone of a crime, typically by a grand jury, and issuing a written statement of the charges.

Examples

1. “The CEO was indicted on charges of embezzlement and tax evasion.”

2. “The grand jury indicted the suspect on multiple counts of murder.”

Synonyms

1. Accused

2. Charged

Antonyms

1. Acquitted

2. Cleared

Additional Information

Indictment is a formal accusation of a crime, and it is typically the first step in the prosecution process. An indictment is usually issued by a grand jury, which is a group of citizens who are sworn to investigate and determine whether there is enough evidence to bring charges against someone. If someone is indicted, it does not necessarily mean that they are guilty, but rather that there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.

In the United States, the indictment process is governed by the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, which requires that a grand jury indictment be obtained before someone can be tried for a serious crime. The indictment process is an important part of the American justice system, as it helps to ensure that people are not unfairly accused or prosecuted.

Indictments can be issued for a wide range of crimes, including felonies and misdemeanors. In some cases, an indictment may be issued for a specific crime, such as murder or theft, while in other cases, it may be issued for a more general offense, such as conspiracy or racketeering.

Etymology

The word “indicted” comes from the Latin “indictare,” which means “to accuse” or “to charge.” The word has been used in English since the 15th century, and it has been used in a variety of contexts, including law, politics, and everyday conversation.

Usage Notes

The word “indicted” is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in law or government. However, it can also be used in more informal contexts, such as in conversation or in the media.

When using the word “indicted,” it is important to be clear and specific about the charges that have been brought against someone. It is also important to avoid using the word in a way that is misleading or sensationalistic.

Cultural References

The word “indicted” has been used in a variety of cultural contexts, including in literature, film, and television. For example, in the novel “The Bonfire of the Vanities” by Tom Wolfe, the main character is indicted on charges of manslaughter.

In film and television, the word “indicted” is often used to add drama or tension to a scene. For example, in the TV show “Law & Order,” the characters often discuss indictments and the indictment process.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are several idiomatic expressions or phrases that use the word “indicted.” For example, “to indict someone” means to formally accuse them of a crime, while “to be indicted” means to be formally accused of a crime.

Related Words or Phrases

There are several words or phrases that are related to “indicted.” For example, “accused” and “charged” are both synonyms of “indicted,” while “acquitted” and “cleared” are antonyms.

Collocations

The word “indicted” often collocates with other words or phrases, such as “on charges of” or “for the crime of.” For example, “The CEO was indicted on charges of embezzlement” or “The suspect was indicted for the crime of murder.”

Frequency of Use

The word “indicted” is not a commonly used word in everyday conversation. However, it is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in law or government.

Common Misspellings

There are several common misspellings of the word “indicted.” For example, “indited” or “indictied” are both incorrect spellings of the word.