accuse
verb (transitive)
UKəˈkjuːzUSəˈkjuːz
to say that someone has done something wrong or committed a crime; to blame someone for something
Example Sentences
He was quick to accuse his coworker of sabotaging the project.
The police accused him of forging official documents.
Some critics accuse the government of failing to address environmental concerns.
They decided to accuse the company of fraudulent business practices, bringing their allegations to court.
Without sufficient evidence, it's unfair to accuse anyone of wrongdoing.
Her friends refused to accuse her of lying, believing she told the truth.
In a sudden turn of events, the prosecutor began to accuse multiple corporate executives of collusion and corruption, presenting a trove of confidential memos that pointed to an elaborate cover-up spanning several years.
While it can be tempting to accuse someone out of anger or frustration, especially in heated moments, doing so without factual evidence can lead to misunderstandings, damaged reputations, and a loss of trust among all parties involved.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To claim or charge someone with a wrongdoing or offense.As a verb, “accuse” generally means that you are alleging someone has committed a specific wrongdoing, be it a crime or a moral/ethical transgression. In both formal and informal settings, accusing typically implies that you hold the person responsible for certain actions, and you are often looking for them to answer for or defend against that claim.When you use “accuse,” clarity matters. Provide details such as what the accusation is about, evidence or reasoning behind the allegation, and if you expect the accused individual to respond or offer an explanation. In legal contexts, to accuse someone of a crime triggers formal procedures—like investigations, trials, or hearings. Here, the accusation might lead to charges, requiring proof under the law.In everyday life, you might accuse someone jokingly—“I accuse you of stealing the last cookie!”—or more seriously—“He was accused of breaking company policy.” The weight of the accusation depends on context and supporting facts. In writing, be mindful of phrasing. If the situation is serious or legally sensitive, using words like “allegedly” or referencing “alleged wrongdoing” often helps maintain neutrality until facts are confirmed.While accusing doesn’t automatically mean the accusation is true, it’s important to realize that this action can affect reputations or relationships. Ensure you have sufficient evidence or reasoning before leveling a serious charge against someone. In professional or interpersonal disputes, offering a chance for explanation or dialogue might prevent misunderstandings from escalating. Overall, using “accuse” carries implications of fault or guilt, so exercise caution and specificity. If you’re presenting an accusation in writing, consider the tone, context, and evidence available. That way, your message remains both clear and fair, reflecting the gravity of the claim.
Alternatives
Depending on context, you can switch up how you express that someone is being blamed or held responsible for wrongdoing. Words like “charge” or “indict” often appear in formal or legal spheres; “charge” indicates a formal statement of wrongdoing, while “indict” refers specifically to a legal process where a grand jury finds enough evidence for a trial. “Allege” is another nuanced alternative, focusing on making a claim without proving guilt.In everyday language, you might use “blame” instead of “accuse” to suggest attributing responsibility for a mishap or negative outcome, though it can be less formal and doesn’t always imply legal repercussions. “Point the finger at” is an idiomatic way of saying you’re holding someone responsible, typically used in casual or journalistic contexts. “Implicate” emphasizes the suggestion that a person is involved in something questionable, especially in group or complex scenarios.Beyond these, phrases like “call out” or “name and shame” carry more of a public, confrontational edge—often used in social or online discussions. Meanwhile, “reproach” and “admonish” can mean criticizing someone for unacceptable behavior without necessarily suggesting a crime or major ethical breach. Choosing the right term depends on how formal or severe the accusation is, and whether you’re discussing moral failings, policy violations, or potential crimes. Each alternative carries its own level of intensity and specificity, so weigh the context to ensure you convey the right meaning and tone.
Writing
In writing, “accuse” underscores that you are pointing to someone’s alleged wrongdoing. Whether it’s a news article, an essay, or a piece of creative fiction, this word signals conflict or controversy. In formal journalism, you might see, “The attorney accused the defendant of fraud,” which tells the reader the attorney has made a direct claim about the defendant’s actions. To be clear and fair, journalists often add “alleged” or note that the accusation has not been proven.When drafting legal or academic documents, maintain objectivity. If you write, “He was accused of negligence in workplace safety,” explain who is leveling the charge, on what grounds, and what laws or standards the accused is said to have violated. Adding context—like time, place, evidence, or quotes—helps readers see how the accusation arose. If writing fiction, using “accuse” can introduce tension or pivot the plot, as characters deal with fallout from suspicion or false allegations.Balance in your narrative is key: an unsupported accusation can paint the accuser as rash or malicious, while a justified one might highlight the accused’s wrongdoing. Details about motive, evidence, or character background can help readers weigh whether the accusation holds merit. These elements add depth and drama, particularly if conflicting viewpoints swirl around the same event. If your purpose is to inform, ensure you offer all relevant sides. If you aim to engage emotionally or rhetorically, craft the language around “accuse” to intensify or complicate the atmosphere. In both cases, clarity ensures that your use of “accuse” resonates with fairness and narrative power.
Casual Conversation
On a day-to-day level, you might casually “accuse” people around you of smaller lapses or playful transgressions. For example, calling out a sibling for borrowing your phone charger without permission or teasing a friend with “I accuse you of hogging all the popcorn!” In these informal scenarios, tone is everything—your inflection and context can clarify whether you’re joking around or suggesting a genuine offense.In more serious personal matters—like accusing a coworker of spreading rumors—the claim can have real consequences for trust and workplace relationships. Before tossing out an accusation in casual conversation, consider how solid your basis is, as misunderstandings can quickly escalate into arguments. If you’re sure of your claim, calmly stating the facts and giving the other person room to respond can prevent confrontations from spiraling. Meanwhile, if you’re uncertain, it might be best to phrase it as a question—“Did you happen to move my stuff?”—rather than “I accuse you of stealing.”Remember that while “accuse” is widely understood, it still carries a sense of seriousness or confrontation. If the accusation is about something trivial, using more light-hearted language—like “Are you the culprit?” or “Confess, you snack thief!”—can keep things friendly. Even in casual contexts, the key lies in balancing directness with tact, ensuring everyone understands your tone and intention. If you are wrong, acknowledging the mistake as soon as possible helps preserve trust. Ultimately, using “accuse” in everyday conversation points to an issue of accountability—whether humorous or earnest—and opens the door to resolution, clarification, or apology as needed.
Etymology
The term “accuse” stems from the Latin “accūsāre,” which fuses “ad-” (meaning “to” or “toward”) with “causa” (meaning “cause” or “lawsuit”). In ancient Rome, “accūsāre” specifically meant to call someone to account, implying a formal challenge or legal proceeding. Over time, this concept passed through Old French as “acuser,” eventually entering Middle English.Historically, accusations held significant weight, often leading to trials in front of judges, councils, or monarchs. In many cultures, a formal accusation could mean life-or-death consequences, which partly explains the word’s strong connotation and sense of confrontation today. Whether in ancient tribunals or modern courts, to accuse has always implied placing someone in a position to defend themselves against a claim of wrongdoing. This legal and cultural legacy underscores why “accuse” remains a potent verb, reminding us that each accusation—justified or not—can affect reputations, relationships, and outcomes in far-reaching ways.
