indictment
gb/ɪndˈaɪtmənt/ us/ɪndˈaɪtmənt/
B2
English
~ 9000
vádirat, vádemelés, súlyos kritika
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
an indictment against [someone] for [crime]
The grand jury returned an indictment against the former minister on corruption charges.
A vádesküdtszék korrupciós vádak miatt vádat emelt a volt miniszter ellen.
After the indictment was unsealed, the company’s CEO resigned.
Miután nyilvánosságra hozták a vádiratot, a cég vezérigazgatója lemondott.
He is under indictment for wire fraud in federal court.
The prosecutor announced that no indictment would be filed in the case.
Lawyers spent weeks negotiating a plea deal before the indictment was handed down.
Learner examples
The grand jury issued an indictment against the mayor.
A vádesküdtszék vádat emelt a polgármester ellen.
She was under indictment for three serious crimes.
Három súlyos bűncselekmény miatt állt vád alatt.
The judge read the indictment to the court.
Reporters talked about the federal indictment all day on the news.
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "indictment" with "verdict". An indictment is a formal charge that starts a serious criminal case, while a verdict is the final decision (guilty or not guilty) at the end of a trial. Learners also sometimes use "indictment" for minor situations; in law it is usually for serious crimes, not small problems.
Meaning
formal legal charge for a crime
Collocations
federal indictment
|criminal indictment
|sealed indictment
|hand down an indictment
|return an indictment
|under indictment
Synonyms
charge (Less formal and more general; can be spoken or written and does not always refer to a grand jury or formal document.)
Antonyms
acquittal (An acquittal is an official decision that someone is not guilty, the opposite outcome of being formally accused in an indictment.)
Themes
law
|crime
|politics
|society
Definition
An official paper from a court that says someone is formally charged with a serious crime.
A formal written statement issued by a grand jury or similar authority, officially charging someone with a serious crime.
NOUN
B2
2
vádirat
C1
Usage pattern:
an indictment of [something]
The report is a damning indictment of how the government handled the crisis.
A jelentés lesújtó kritikát fogalmaz meg arról, ahogyan a kormány kezelte a válságot.
The low test scores are an indictment of the country’s education system.
A gyenge teszteredmények súlyos kritikát jelentenek az ország oktatási rendszerére nézve.
Her book is a powerful indictment of modern consumer culture.
The empty stores stand as an indictment of years of poor economic policy.
These conditions are an indictment of how we treat the most vulnerable in our society.
Learner examples
The high number of deaths is an indictment of the country’s health system.
A halálesetek magas száma súlyos kritikát jelent az ország egészségügyi rendszerére nézve.
Many people saw the report as an indictment of the police.
Sokan úgy látták, hogy a jelentés súlyos kritika a rendőrséggel szemben.
The film is an indictment of war and violence.
Some teachers say the test results are an indictment of the school’s leadership.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "indictment" in this sense always refers to a legal action. In modern English, it is often used more broadly to mean strong criticism or clear evidence of failure, especially in phrases like "a damning indictment of" something. It is also more formal than simple words like "blame" or "criticism".
Meaning
evidence or statement of failure
Collocations
a damning indictment of
|a harsh indictment of
|a powerful indictment of
|an indictment of the system
|an indictment of our society
Synonyms
condemnation (Similar strong criticism, but does not carry the same sense of being clear evidence of failure; more about the act of criticizing.)
Antonyms
vindication (Shows that someone or something is right or justified, the opposite of showing failure or serious fault.)
Themes
opinions
|society
|politics
|ethics
|communication
Definition
A strong sign or statement that shows something is very wrong or has failed, used to criticize it.
A strong expression or clear sign that something is seriously wrong, bad, or has failed, often used to criticize systems, policies, or social conditions.
Grammar
Dictionary form
indictment
IPA
GB/ɪndˈaɪtmənt/
US/ɪndˈaɪtmənt/
Syllables & stress
in - dict - ment (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (dict)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: indictment
- Plural: indictment, indictments
Word family
Forms
indictments
noun
Core family
indict
verb
Related words
charge
noun A2
accusation
noun B2
Advanced or less common
indictable
adjective
Expressions
an indictment of
1/ən ɪndˈaɪtmənt əv/
fixed phrase
phrase for strong, clear criticism
Used to say that something clearly shows another thing is very bad, wrong, or has failed, and so it strongly criticizes it.
Examples
- The long waiting times are an indictment of the entire healthcare system.
- Many see the rising homelessness as an indictment of government policy.
- These results are an indictment of how the company has been managed.
under indictment
1/ˈʌndɚ ɪndˈaɪtmənt/
fixed phrase
formal
officially charged with a serious crime
Officially charged in court with a serious crime, usually after a grand jury has made a formal accusation.
Examples
- The senator is currently under indictment for bribery.
- At the time of the interview, she was under indictment in two separate fraud cases.