What Does “Indicted” Mean

“Indicted” means that a formal legal charge has been made against someone, usually in a serious criminal case. It does not mean the person is guilty; it means prosecutors believe there is enough evidence to bring the case to court.

In everyday English, people use “indicted” when talking about someone being officially accused by the legal system. You’ll often hear it in news reports about crimes, court cases, or public figures. It is a serious word, and it usually means the person will have to face legal proceedings.

Meaning & Usage

To be indicted is to be formally accused of a crime by a grand jury or another legal authority. It is the step before a trial, not the final outcome. People often say someone was “indicted” when a case has moved from suspicion to official charges.

Examples

For example: “The businessman was indicted on fraud charges.” Another example: “Several people were indicted after the investigation ended.” In both cases, the word shows that the legal process has officially started.

Does indicted mean guilty?

No. Indicted means charged, not proven guilty. The person is still presumed innocent until the court decides otherwise.

Why do news stories use this word?

News reports use “indicted” because it is the standard legal term for formal charges in serious cases. It gives a clear picture of where the case stands.

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