arraign

UK: əˈreɪn | US: əˈreɪn

Definition

  1. vt. to bring before a court to answer a criminal charge

  2. vt. to accuse or criticize someone formally

Structure
ar <to>raign <reason>ar <to>raign <reason>
Etymology

The word "arraign" entered English via Old French araisnier, meaning "to speak or address." It traces back to Latin ad- (to) + ratio (reason), reflecting the legal process of formally addressing charges against someone. Over time, it narrowed to its current legal sense of bringing someone to trial.

Examples

  1. The suspect was arraigned in court yesterday.

  2. Critics arraigned the government for its handling of the crisis.

  3. He will be arraigned on charges of fraud next week.

  4. The judge refused to arraign the defendant without evidence.

  5. She felt unfairly arraigned by the media.