indict
UK: ɪnˈdaɪt | US: ɪnˈdaɪt
vt. to formally accuse or charge with a serious crime
vt. (archaic) to declare or proclaim publicly
indict = in<into/against> + dict<speak>
- in: Prefix meaning "into" or "against" (from Latin in-).
- dict: Root meaning "to speak" (from Latin dicare/dictare, related to dicere "to say").
Etymology Origin:
The word "indict" entered English via Old French enditer (to accuse), derived from Latin indictare (to declare formally). The Latin root combines in- (against) + dictare (to speak), reflecting the legal act of formally "speaking against" someone in accusation. The silent "c" in modern spelling preserves its Latin ancestry, though pronunciation shifted over time.
The grand jury decided to indict the suspect for fraud.
Historically, kings could indict individuals without trial.
The prosecutor lacks sufficient evidence to indict.
He was indicted on three counts of embezzlement.
The silent "c" in "indict" often confuses spellers.