Accusation Meaning
/ˌæk.jʊˈzeɪ.ʃ(ə)n/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe act of accusing.
nounA formal charge brought against a person in a court of law.
Sentence Examples
He denied the accusation.
He is under a false accusation.
I don't want to make an accusation until I have some proof.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her sudden ____ that he stole the money shocked everyone in the office.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He was shocked by the false ____ made against him.
Word Origin & History
First attested in the late 14th century. Inherited from Middle English accusacion, borrowed from Old French acusacion (French: accusation), from Latin accūsātiō (“accusation, indictment”), from accūsō (“blame, accuse”). Doublet of accusatio. More at accuse. Equivalent to accuse + -ation.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"We come not by the way of accusation / To taint that honour every good tongue blesses."
— 1613 (date written), William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher], “The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene i]:
"[They] set up over his head his accusation."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Matthew 27:37:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her sudden ____ that he stole the money shocked everyone in the office.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He was shocked by the false ____ made against him.