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

John added: "It is incredible that Rory could go to jail on a charge where the injured party says she knows it is a misunderstanding - and does not want to press charges."

From BBC ● Apr. 24, 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

In the end, the kid didn’t want to press charges.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi

Related Words

• prosecute