accuse
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈkjuːz/
KK: /əˈkyuz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To say that someone has done something wrong or illegal.
Example
She decided to accuse him of theft after finding the missing money in his bag.
Tense Forms
Past: accused
Past Participle: accused
Conversation
Did you hear what happened at the party last night?
Yeah, I heard some people accuse each other of things.
It was so awkward; I can't believe they would just point fingers like that.
I know, right? It really changed the mood of the whole evening.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
blame
charge
impeach
Antonyms
defend
absolve
exonerate
transitive verb
Definition
To say that someone has done something wrong or illegal, often in a formal way.
Example
The lawyer decided to accuse the defendant of theft.
Tense Forms
Past: accused
Past Participle: accused
Conversation
Did you hear that Sarah wants to accuse Tom of cheating on the test?
Really? That seems a bit harsh without proof.
I know, right? She should be careful before she accuses someone without clear evidence.
Root Explanation
Accuse is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "causare" (meaning to cause or make). The word originally referred to the act of bringing a cause against someone, thereby implying blame or charge.
Memory Tip
Think of bringing a 'cause' ('causare') against someone 'to' ('ad-') — that's why accuse means to charge someone with wrongdoing.
Visually Confused Words
unaccuse
reaccuse
saccus
accrue
preaccuse