verb · B1

Blame

BLAYM/bleɪm/

Blame means say someone or something caused a problem. Blame someone for the delay; take the blame; put the blame on. Accuse is stronger and often legal: accuse someone of a crime. Fault as a noun is similar (it is my fault) but blame is the usual verb. Do not write “blame someone to do.”

Meaning

To say that someone or something is responsible for something bad.

Examples

“Don’t blame the students for the delay.”
“They blamed the weather for the cancellation.”
“He refused to take the blame.”

Good to know

blame someone for + noun/-ing. take / put the blame. Stronger/legal: accuse of.

Near in meaning

fault

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