Question

Find the antonym of INDICT.
a)Condemn
b)Reprimand
c)Acquit
d)Allege

Answer 1

Hint: An antonym refers to a word that is different in meaning to another word. Example- Heavy is the antonym of light.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Indict refers to summoning or charging someone with a crime. The word indict has been derived from the Latin word- Indicere, which means to proclaim.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word indict. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The company’s CEO was indicted for fraud. Here, we can understand that the CEO of a company was charged for a crime.
Let’s examine the given options:
a)Condemn- It means to punish or convict someone. It is different in meaning to indict. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b)Reprimand- It means to scold or rebuke someone. It is different in meaning to indict. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
c)Acquit- It means to release or absolve someone from a criminal charge. It is the opposite in meaning to indict. Hence, it is the correct option.
d)Allege- It means to testify or declare that someone has committed a crime. It is different in meaning to indict. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note: Indictment is a legal concept used in jurisdictions. Petty crimes are counted under indictable offences.