DictionaryRoot: ad-
Latin

ad-

to, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

Forms

  • ad-
  • ac- — Used before c in Latin.
  • af- — Used before f in Latin.
  • ag- — Used before g in Latin.
  • al- — Used before l in Latin.
  • ap- — Used before p in Latin.
  • ar- — Used before r in Latin.
  • as- — Used before s in Latin.
  • at- — Used before t in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ad, ‘to; near.’

Note

Later Latin-based spellings sometimes restored consonants that had disappeared in French.

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verb

accuse

uh-KYOOZ/əˈkjuːz/

To claim that someone has done something wrong.

One person accuses the other of spilling the paint.

An adult pointing toward another adult beside a spilled paint can, claiming blame; the other person denies with open hands, realistic nuanced expressions.
Etymology

The pieces connect accusation with a legal case: to accuse is to call someone to account. That connection also underlies the broader meaning of blaming someone for wrongdoing.

In context

Smithsonian Channel46:28
THE MASSACHUSETTS JUDGES ALLOWED SPECTRAL EVIDENCE AND ENCOURAGED CITIZENS TO ACCUSE THEIR FELLOW VILLAGERS.
America's Hidden Stories: Salem's Secrets 🤐 FULL EPISODE | Smithsonian Channel

More examples

  • She accused the company of misleading customers.
  • He refused to accuse anyone without evidence.
  • They were accused of breaking the rules.

Forms

accuse · accuses · accused · accusing

accusation noun — a claim of wrongdoing

Similar words

charge
Formally allege wrongdoing.
blame
Hold responsible for something bad.