indictment
a formal accusation or serious sign of blame
Root
- dic / dict: say or proclaim
Other words with the dic / dict root
- abdicate: to give up power or responsibility
- benediction: a blessing or good words spoken over someone
- dictate: to say with authority; to command or prescribe
- dictator: a ruler with absolute authority
- diction: choice and style of words in speech or writing
- dictionary: a reference book or resource for words and meanings
- dictum: a formal saying or authoritative statement
- edict: an official order or proclamation
Dict gives saying. An indictment is formal saying against someone; outside court it can mean strong evidence of failure.
The report was an indictment of the agency's careless oversight.
In law, an indictment formally accuses. In ordinary argument, it becomes a severe sign of blame: the evidence itself seems to speak against someone or something. The c belongs to the restored Latin spelling, but the pronunciation kept the French history.