View synonyms for

press charges

[pres chahr-jiz]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

idiom

to bring a formal accusation against a person believed to have committed a crime (often used withagainst ).
The authorities plan to press charges against her for participating in civil disobedience last week.
He didn't want to press charges, but warned the guy who punched him not to cause any more problems.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of press charges¹

First recorded in 1885–90

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Police also arrested another woman on Friday, but prosecutors have declined to press charges against her.

From

The Great Yarmouth MP made the comments in his first broadcast interview since the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to press charges over threats he was alleged to have made.

From

On Wednesday, Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS, said it made the decision not to press charges on Mr Lowe "following a thorough and detailed review of the evidence".

From

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS, said it made the decision not to press charges "following a thorough and detailed review of the evidence".

From

The parents and wife of one of the people who died when the roof of a nightclub collapsed in the Dominican Republic last week have become the first to press charges against the club's owners.

From

Related Words

prosecute��

Pressburger press clipping

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