accusation

noun

ac·​cu·​sa·​tion ˌa-kyə-ˈzā-shən 

-(ˌ)kyü-

1

: a charge of wrongdoing

The evidence confirms the accusations made against him.

She denied the accusation.

2

: the act of accusing someone : the state or fact of being accused

Examples of accusation in a Sentence

Investigators have made accusations of corruption against a group of former officials.

The police are investigating serious accusations of wrongdoing.

He denied the accusation that he had lied to the police.

There was a hint of accusation in his voice when he asked her where she had been.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kirill deflected the accusations and drove home his central demand: Ukraine must not be allowed to separate its Church from Moscow’s. —Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024

The Cult of Fast Fashion’ Brandy Melville CEO and co-founder Stephan Marsan have come under fire for a number of accusations. —Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

The ex-vice president had sought protection from embezzlement charges by requesting asylum in Mexico, saying that the accusations were politically motivated. —Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024

The actor has not appeared in a major film since the accusations were leveled. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024

Chinese officials say that such accusations of overcapacity are groundless and that foreign governments are trying to suppress China’s development. ‘Reverse consumption’ The economic anxiety is on display all over China. —Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 10 Apr. 2024

Volz responded to the accusations, denied making racist or homophobic statements, denied ignoring or mistreating players based on mental health issues, and defended her coaching style and team culture. —The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024

The entertainment mogul has not been charged with a crime and has denied all the accusations of wrongdoing. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024

Shortly after his arrest, the Wall Street Journal reporter was charged with espionage — an accusation vehemently denied by Gershkovich, his employer and the US government. —Radina Gigova, CNN, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English accusacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin accūsātiōn-, accūsātiō, from accūsāre "to blame, charge with a crime" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at accuse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing accusation

• counter-accusation
• self-accusation

Kids Definition

accusation

noun

ac·​cu·​sa·​tion ˌak-yə-ˈzā-shən 

-yü-

1

: the act of accusing : the fact of being accused

2

: a charge of wrongdoing

Legal Definition

accusation

noun

ac·​cu·​sa·​tion ˌa-kyə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: a formal charge of wrongdoing, delinquency, or fault

the accused shall enjoy the right…to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation

—U.S. Constitution amend. VI

compare allegation, indictment, information

2

: the offense or fault of which one is accused

the accusation was murder