== It is a formal charge, or accusation, against a person. ==
An indictment is the charging instrument the state uses to accuse an individual of a crime. It must allege that the defendant committed the acts necessary with the level of intent necessary to be considered a crime. It must allege with enough specificity to give the defendant notice of what he/she is being accused of.
An indictment is a part of the legal system and is a blame for wrongdoing such as committing a crime.