Cool MateAccused
UK /["/əˈkjuːz/","/əˈkjuːzɪz/","/əˈkjuːzd/","/əˈkjuːzɪŋ/"]/US /["/əˈkjuːz/","/əˈkjuːzɪz/","/əˈkjuːzd/","/əˈkjuːzɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to say that somebody has done something wrong or is guilty of something
In simple words: Said that someone did something wrong or illegal.
Examples
- She accused him of stealing her lunch.
- The journalist was accused of fabricating evidence.
- He was accused of being late for the meeting.
- They accused the government of failing to address the issue.
- After the incident, she felt accused by everyone around her.
Usage notes
Typically used in legal or formal contexts when discussing wrongdoing. Not appropriate for casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
accused + object + of + gerund
Memory hint
Sounds like 'a-cuse-d' — imagine someone pointing a finger and saying 'You have a cue, you're accused!'
Collocations
- falsely
- unjustly
- wrongfully
- cannot
- of
- stand accused of
Synonyms
- charged
- blamed
- alleged
- incriminated
- implicated
Antonyms
- defended
- absolved
- exonerated
Common mistakes
- 'Accuse' should not be used with 'to'. Instead, use 'accuse someone of doing something.'
- Confusing 'accused' as a noun and a verb. It's primarily used as a past participle.
- Using 'accused' without indicating what they are accused of is unclear.