indict

[/ɪnˈdaɪt/]
verb
acusar formalmente; denunciar; processar
1. to formally charge someone with a crime by the action of a grand jury on the basis of probable cause
The prosecutor will indict the suspect on charges of fraud.
O promotor vai acusar formalmente o suspeito de fraude.
2. to criticize or condemn strongly; to suggest that someone or something is guilty or responsible for something bad
The report indicts the entire system for corruption.
O relatório denuncia o sistema inteiro por corrupção.
3. to present as evidence of guilt or wrongdoing
His actions indict him as a dishonest person.
Suas ações o incriminam como uma pessoa desonesta.
In the United States, 'indict' is a formal legal term referring to the process where a grand jury determines there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime. It's a key step in the American criminal justice system. In Brazil, the equivalent formal process uses 'denúncia' or 'acusação formal' through the Public Ministry (Ministério Público). The word is also used more broadly in both countries to mean criticizing or condemning someone or something.
NYC Slang
get booked; get charged
Synonyms / Sinônimos
accusechargeprosecutedenounceincriminateimplicate
Antonyms / Antônimos
exonerateacquitabsolvevindicate

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
acusar formalmente; denunciar
Standard legal and general usage
São Paulo
acusar; processar
Common in legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
denunciar; incriminar
Frequently used in judicial proceedings
Portugal
acusar formalmente; indiciar
Legal term; 'indiciar' is more common in Portuguese Portuguese

Related Words

indictmentindictedgrand juryprosecutionaccusationarraign

Related Idioms & Phrases

indict someone for something
indict on charges of
be indicted by a grand jury
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