Words / C1

in-DYT/ɪnˈdaɪt/

To indict is to formally accuse someone of a serious crime (often /ɪnˈdaɪt/): indict on fraud charges. Accuse is everyday and earlier; a corridor theory is not a charging decision.

Meaning

To formally accuse someone of a serious crime (said /ɪnˈdaɪt/).

Examples

• “An empty n indicts the methods page, not the printer’s colour.”
• “A corridor theory does not indict; the charging note does.”
• “Charge is the close twin. Accuse is everyday. A theory is talk. A numbered allegation on a paper is process. Lodge the paper; archive the corridor.”

Good to know

Formally accuse of a serious crime. Close: charge. A corridor theory ≠ an indictment.

Near in meaning

charge, accuse

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