indictment

noun

Etymology: 18th-century Latinized respelling of Middle English endytement (“action of accusing”), from Anglo-Norman enditement, from enditer, from Late Latin indictāre, from Latin indictus.

1. An official formal accusation for a criminal offence, or the process by which it is brought to a jury.

   “But she accomplished the third task — the one that mattered most to her boss — securing a criminal indictment against Mr. Comey, the former F.B.I. director.”

2. The official legal document outlining the charges concerned; bill of indictment.

   “[…]— the indictment will remain sealed until his expected arraignment on Tuesday, when the charges will be formally revealed.”

3. An accusation of wrongdoing; a criticism or condemnation.

   “Can there be a greater indictment against patriotism than that it will thus brand a man a criminal, throw him into prison, and rob him of the results of fifteen years of faithful service?”

   “I must say Humphrey, these facts are a frightening indictment of bureaucratic sloppiness and self-indulgence.”

4. Evidence of failure or poor performance.

   “an indictment of his ability to lead”

   “an indictment of his game”