Accusation - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT accusation /ækjuˈzeɪʃɪn/ /ækjuˈzeɪʃən/ IPA guide

Other forms: accusations

When you say someone is guilty of doing something wrong you make an accusation, like your accusation that your brother used your computer without asking first.

Accusation comes from the verb accuse, which means to charge someone with a crime. It is important to remember that an accusation comes about when someone thinks another person has done something wrong or committed a crime. It doesn't mean, however, that the person is guilty. There needs to be proof — an investigation or trial, even admission of guilt — before a conviction, meaning the person really is guilty.

Definitions of accusation

noun an assertion that someone is guilty of a fault or offense synonyms: charge see moresee less types: countercharge a charge brought by an accused person against the accuser type of: assertion, asseveration, averment a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary)
noun a formal charge of wrongdoing brought against a person; the act of imputing blame or guilt synonyms: accusal see moresee less types: show 19 types... hide 19 types... self-accusation, self-condemnation an admission that you have failed to do or be something you know you should do or be recrimination mutual accusations allegation (law) a formal accusation against somebody (often in a court of law) blame game accusations exchanged among people who refuse to accept sole responsibility for some undesirable event imprecation a slanderous accusation imputation a statement attributing something dishonest (especially a criminal offense) indictment an accusation of wrongdoing information formal accusation of a crime preferment the act of making accusations blame, incrimination, inculpation an accusation that one is responsible for some lapse or misdeed implication an accusation that brings into intimate and usually incriminating connection impeachment the act of charging an official with an offense committed while in office grievance an allegation that something imposes an illegal obligation or denies some legal right or causes injustice lodgement, lodgment bringing a charge or accusation against someone plaint (United Kingdom) a written statement of the grounds of complaint made to court of law asking for the grievance to be redressed finger-pointing, fingerpointing the imputation of blame unspoken accusation, veiled accusation an accusation that is understood without needing to be spoken innuendo, insinuation an indirect (and usually malicious) implication self-incrimination an accusation that incriminates yourself type of: charge, complaint (criminal law) a pleading describing some wrong or offense

Pronunciation US /ækjuˈzeɪʃɪn/ UK /ækjuˈzeɪʃən/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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