indictment
Translation
formal charge, accusation, sign of failure
Examples
The grand jury returned an indictment for fraud.
The grand jury returned an indictment for fraud.
The report is a damning indictment of the system.
The report is a damning indictment of the system.
Grammar Patterns
an indictment ((for sth.)) a formal charge for (a crime) The grand jury returned an indictment for fraud.
an indictment ((of sth.)) a sign that (a policy, system, etc.) is bad or wrong The report is a damning indictment of the system.
Similar Words
Synonyms: accusation, charge, allegation
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman French 'enditer' (to write down, accuse). The 'c' was added later to reflect Latin 'indictare', but it remains silent.
Memory Tips
Pronounced 'in-dite-ment'. The 'c' is silent. Think of it as a formal document that 'indicates' a crime has been committed.