Meaning & Definition of word "Accused"

Accused

/əˈkjuzd/

1. A person who is charged with a crime in a court of law.
- Example: The accused stood nervously in front of the judge.
2. A person who is blamed for something, typically a wrongdoing.
- Example: She was the accused in a high-profile theft case.

1. Past tense of accuse; to charge someone with an offense or wrongdoing.
- Example: He accused her of stealing his money.
2. To assert that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong.
- Example: They accused the corporation of environmental violations.

The word comes from the Latin 'accusatus' which means 'to blame or to charge'.

the accused:

refers to a person who has been charged with a crime.

accused of a crime:

means a person is formally charged with committing an illegal act.

innocent until proven guilty:

refers to the legal principle that one is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

accusation:

A charge that someone has done something illegal or wrong.

defendant:

An individual accused in a court of law.

prosecution:

The act of conducting legal proceedings against someone.

Meaning: In hot water

Example Sentence: After being caught cheating, he found himself in hot water with his teachers.

Meaning: On the carpet

Example Sentence: She was called on the carpet for her actions at the party.