press charges

American  

[pres chahr-jiz] / ˈprɛs ˈtʃɑr dʒɪz /

idiom

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of press charges

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

press charges

Authorities initially declined to press charges, but the investigation was reopened Monday, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul later appointing the state's top prosecutor to see it through.

From Barron's ● Oct. 3, 2026

Local prosecutors decided not to press charges, believing she hadn’t alleged any criminal behavior.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026

Castro, who did not immediately respond to an interview request Friday, said on social media that she was grateful to Disneyland’s security personnel and plans to press charges.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2026

Throughout his police interviews, Alex was also adamant he didn't want to press charges.

From BBC ● May 13, 2026

Isn’t this the same guy who was about to press charges against Manny for the beatdown he got?

From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone

Related Words

• prosecute