B2verb2K

Accuse

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: To say someone did something wrong.

Examples

He decided to accuse his colleague of taking credit for his work.
The police will accuse anyone found at the crime scene.
It's not fair to accuse someone without evidence.
She felt it was wrong to accuse him of cheating on the test without proof.
He was accused of stealing money from the company.
They accuse each other of dishonesty in their arguments.
Accuse him if you have valid reasons, but be sure of your facts.
It's easy to accuse others when you're not in their situation.
Don't accuse people in haste; it can lead to misunderstandings.

Usage notes

Use 'accuse' in serious contexts where someone is held responsible for a wrongdoing. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing serious topics.

Grammar pattern

accuse + object + of + gerund/noun

Memory hint

Think of 'a-cause' - imagine you're pointing out the cause of someone's trouble.

Collocations

falsely
unjustly
wrongfully
cannot
of
stand accused of

Synonyms

blame
charge
allege
implicate
indict

Antonyms

defend
absolve
praise

Common mistakes

Confusing 'accuse' with 'blame'—'accuse' is more formal.
Omitting 'of' after 'accuse'—correct form is 'accuse someone of something'.
Using 'accuse' without an object—it's always used with someone or something.