verb · B2

Accuse

uh-KYOOZ/əˈkjuːz/

To accuse is to say that someone has done something wrong: accuse someone of cheating, be accused of delay. Blame is everyday and can be milder; charge is the legal step after arrest. Accusation is the noun. The pattern is accuse + person + of + noun/ing, never accuse for. In speech, they said she did it is enough. Accuse is stronger than suggest. Do not accuse someone of a preference (“accused of liking jazz”) unless you are joking.

Meaning

To say that someone has done something wrong (accuse of).

Examples

“They accused her of copying the answers.”
“Parents accused the office of sending the letter a day late.”
“He was accused of leaking the mark scheme, then cleared after the log was checked.”

Good to know

accuse someone of + noun/ing. Not “accuse for”. Everyday: say they did it. Stronger than blame. Noun: accusation. Legal: charge.

Near in meaning

blame

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