indict

/ɪnˈdaɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈdaɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈdīt/ (ame, mw)

indict — verb

  • indictpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • indictshe / she / it
  • indictedpast simple
  • indicting-ing form

1. to bring a formal written charge against someone in court, usually after a grand

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to bring a formal written charge against someone in court, usually after a grand jury or prosecutor decides there is enough evidence that the person committed a crime.

例句

A federal grand jury indicted Darius on three counts of bank fraud last Thursday.

passive-leaning pattern: indict + somebody + on + counts of + (crime)

Prosecutors hope to indict the former mayor for accepting bribes from local builders.

active pattern: indict + somebody + for + (crime)

同義詞
  • charge

    more general; police or prosecutors can charge someone without a grand jury

  • arraign

    the next step after indictment — formally reading the charge to the accused in court

  • prosecute

    the full process of taking someone to trial, not just filing the charge

反義詞
  • acquit

    to officially declare not guilty after trial

  • exonerate

    to clear someone of blame or a charge

文法句型

indict + somebody + for/on + (crime)

be indicted by + (court / grand jury)

用法筆記

Almost always used about formal court action, not casual blame; very often passive (be indicted). The crime follows 'for' or 'on' (especially 'on charges of' / 'on counts of').

常見錯誤

❌My boss indicted me for being late.
✅My boss criticised me for being late.
💡'indict' is a court action, not everyday blame.
❌The police indicted him yesterday.
✅A grand jury indicted him yesterday.
💡police arrest; a grand jury or prosecutor indicts.