in ‧ dict ‧ ment /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/ BrE AmE noun
1 . be an indictment of something to be a very clear sign that a system, method etc is very bad or very wrong:
The fact that these children cannot read is a damning indictment of our education system.
2 . [countable] especially American English law an official written statement charging someone with a criminal offence
3 . [uncountable] especially American English law the act of officially charging someone with a criminal offence
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THESAURUS
▪ accusation a statement saying that you believe someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something bad:
The army has faced accusations of racism.
▪ allegation a public statement accusing someone of doing something although it has not been proved:
He denied allegations that he received a bribe.
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Police are investigating allegations of corruption.
▪ charge an official statement by the police accusing someone of a crime and saying that they must go to court, or a statement saying that someone has done something bad, made by anyone:
He appeared in court on a murder charge.
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She denied the charge that the article had been misleading.
▪ indictment law especially American English an official written statement accusing someone of a crime so that they will be judged under the American legal system:
He is under indictment for credit card fraud.