indict
Definitions
To formally charge or accuse someone of a serious crime
起诉，控告
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThrough Old French enditer from Latin indictāre (in- 'against' + dictāre 'to declare') — to 'declare against' someone, to proclaim a charge. The spelling kept a silent -c- to look more Latin, but the -ct- is never pronounced: indict = /ɪnˈdaɪt/, sounding exactly like 'in-dite.'
Root dic still carries 82 more wordsWhy It Means This
A classic spelling trap. indict comes from the dict 'declare' root but reached English through French, where the -c- had dropped out of the sound. Modern spelling re-inserted the silent -c- to match the Latin, leaving a word that looks like 'in-dikt' but sounds like 'in-dite.' Meaning: to formally declare a charge against someone in law.
Usage Guide
Pronunciation trap: indict is /ɪnˈdaɪt/ — the c is silent, rhyming with 'invite,' not 'inflict.' Strongly legal/journalistic register; in everyday English use 'charge' or 'accuse.' Do not confuse with 'indite' (an archaic word meaning 'to compose/write').
Example Sentences
- 1.
The grand jury voted to indict him on three counts of fraud.
- 2.
Two officials were indicted for accepting bribes.