verb
accuse
uh-KYOOZ/əˈkjuːz/
To claim that someone has done something wrong.
One person accuses the other of spilling the paint.
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
THE MASSACHUSETTS JUDGES ALLOWED SPECTRAL EVIDENCE AND ENCOURAGED CITIZENS TO ACCUSE THEIR FELLOW VILLAGERS.
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