accuse

ac-cuse · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal.

  2. 2.

    Charge someone formally with an offense or crime.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    stand accused — To be formally charged with a crime.
  • •
    falsely accuse — To accuse someone of something they did not do.
  • •
    the accusing finger — Blame or accusation directed at someone.

Related words

Antonyms: defend, exonerate, vindicate
See also: accusation, accused, accusing, blame
Synonyms: blame, charge, incriminate, indict

Etymology

From Old French acuser, from Latin accusare ("to call to account, accuse"), from ad- ("to") + causa ("cause, reason, lawsuit").