Pronunciation

/əˈkjuːz/

Definitions

Noun

1. Charge or blame: The act of making a formal or informal accusation against someone, claiming they have committed a wrong or crime. Example: “The defendant was accused of theft.”
2. Imputation: An unfair or unjust statement made against someone, often with intent to harm their reputation. Example: “She felt unfairly accused of being unprofessional.”

Verb

1. To bring a charge against: To make a formal accusation or claim that someone has committed a crime or acted wrongly. Example: “The police accused him of driving under the influence.”
2. To point fingers at: To imply guilt without providing evidence. Example: “The children were accusing each other of taking the cookies.”

Adjective

1. Imputed: Characterized by or involving an accusation or imputation. Example: “The accused’s lawyers argued that the case was based on imputed motives.”

Phrases

• “Accuse someone of something” means to claim they did a particular action or committed a fault.
• “Be accused of” indicates when someone is formally charged or believed to have done something wrong.
• “Throwing accusations” refers to making allegations without evidence.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The lawyer presented evidence to support his client’s innocence after being accused of murder.”
• Verb: “The teacher accused the student of cheating on the exam.”
• Adjective: “The accused maintained their innocence throughout the trial.”

Synonyms

• Accuse, blame, censure, condemn, level an accusation, allege, claim, insinuate, suggest, hint