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

Earlier this summer, authorities informed SW about the results of their investigation and asked if she wanted to press charges, said Ventura County Dist.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

Sovann Komar’s new management soon made a series of accusations against Sothea and three of the foster parents, and asked prosecutors to press charges.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2025

And when Maggie decides to press charges against Hank and tell her story to the press, the fallout unsurprisingly does not seem great enough.

From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2025

In May, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to press charges over threats he was alleged to have made.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2025

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