Accusation

/ˌæk.jʊˈzeɪ.ʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong.
The accusation of fraud led to a thorough investigation by the authorities.
The act of accusing someone.
Her accusation was made without sufficient evidence.
A statement in which someone is accused of wrongdoing.
He faced serious accusations from his former colleagues.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin accusatio(n-), from accusare 'to accuse'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

false accusation
A claim that is untrue and damaging against someone.
wild accusation
A baseless and extreme claim against someone.
make an accusation
To formally state that someone has done something wrong.

Related Words

accuse
To charge someone with a fault or offense.
accuser
A person who accuses someone of a wrongdoing.
accused
A person who is charged with a crime.

Slang Meanings

Throwing shade
Her comment was just throwing shade at his character.
Biting back
He was just biting back with an accusation to defend himself.