View synonyms for press charges

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 with against ):
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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First recorded in 1885–90

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The police asked if Spahn wished to press charges, but he said he did not.

In the Liberty case, the victim is said to have chosen not to press charges.

The question is why she then decided to not to press charges.

According to Haidak's complaint, Gibney declined API's offers to press charges or seek counseling.

Eighty percent of women will never press charges, and in most cases, will never tell anyone.

By the eighties it is very clear that the justices were ceasing to press charges against witches.

"I've decided not to press charges against the fellow confined below," he announced.

It had cost Papa a fortune to persuade the teacher not to press charges.

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