Meaning & Definition of word "Accuse"

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    Accuse

    /əˈkyūz/

    verb:

    • 1. to say that someone has done something wrong or illegal.
      • Example: The prosecutor decided to accuse the defendant of theft.
    • 2. to charge someone with a fault or offense.
      • Example: She did not want to accuse him without any evidence.
    • 3. to blame someone for a wrongdoing or mistake.
      • Example: They accused her of not following the rules.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Latin 'accusare', meaning 'to call to account'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    accuse someone of something:

    to state that someone is guilty of a specific offense.

    falsely accuse:

    to wrongfully blame someone.

    accuse and defend:

    to make an accusation while also responding to it.

    Related Words

    accusation:

    a statement that someone has done something wrong or illegal.

    accuser:

    a person who accuses another.

    exonerate:

    to clear from accusation or blame.

    Slang Meanings of accuse

    Meaning: to call out or snitch on someone informally.

    Example Sentence: He accused his friend of cheating on the test to get a better grade.

    Meaning: To throw shade at someone.

    Example Sentence: She accused him of being lazy after seeing his messy room.