Meaning & Definition of word "Accused"
Accused
/əˈkjuzd/
noun:
- 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.
verb:
- 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.
Etymology
●The word comes from the Latin 'accusatus' which means 'to blame or to charge'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of accused
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.