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

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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

The report, filed July 15, asks for law enforcement to investigate the movie’s theft and “identify all responsible parties, preserve all relevant evidence, and press charges against the responsible parties.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

Zarrinnam says the decision on whether to press charges rests with him, and it's something he will seriously consider once he has the facts.

From BBC ● Feb. 2, 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

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Related Words

• prosecute

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