press charges

[ pres chahr-jiz ]

idiom

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of press charges¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• prosecute