Basic Details
Word: Indict
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To formally state that someone has done something wrong or illegal, usually in a legal setting.
Synonyms: Charge, accuse
Antonyms: Exonerate, acquit
Idioms and Phrases
- Indictment of society: A situation that criticises or reveals a failure in the way society is functioning. Example: "The film was an indictment of the way we treat the environment."
- To indict someone in the court of public opinion: To accuse or blame someone for something in the eyes of the public. Example: "He was indicted in the court of public opinion after the scandal broke."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The grand jury decided to indict the suspect for robbery after hearing the evidence presented.
Example 2: After a thorough investigation, the authorities chose to indict the company for environmental violations.
Example 3: The news report revealed plans to indict several officials for corruption.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "indict" comes from the Latin word "indictare," which means "to proclaim"? This reflects its formal and serious nature in legal contexts.
Famous Quote
"No one is above the law, and no one should be treated as if they are." - Elizabeth Holtzman
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "indict" mean?
a) To praise someone
b) To formally accuse someone of a crime
c) To entertain a group
d) To travel to a new place
Answer: b) To formally accuse someone of a crime
2. Which of these is a synonym of "indict"?
a) Celebrate
b) Charge
c) Assist
d) Repair
Answer: b) Charge
3. What is an antonym of "indict"?
a) Exonerate
b) Convict
c) Dispute
d) Investigate
Answer: a) Exonerate
4. Which sentence uses "indict" correctly?
a) They decided to indict him after a long speech.
b) He was indicted for his hard work on the project.
c) The evidence was strong enough to indict the suspect.
d) The teacher wanted to indict the whole class for being loud.
Answer: c) The evidence was strong enough to indict the suspect.
5. What does the idiom "to indict someone in the court of public opinion" mean?
a) To give someone a gift
b) To praise someone publicly
c) To accuse someone in a way that affects how people see them
d) To help someone succeed
Answer: c) To accuse someone in a way that affects how people see them
