accusation
A formal or informal charge claiming that someone has done something illegal, wrong, or immoral. It typically involves stating that a specific person is responsible for a negative action or crime.
Examples
3 of 5He made a serious accusation against his neighbor regarding the stolen bicycle.
He made a serious accusation against his neighbor regarding the stolen bicycle.
The prosecution presented a formal accusation of fraud against the former CEO.
The prosecution presented a formal accusation of fraud against the former CEO.
Stop throwing around accusations just because you are frustrated with the situation!
Stop throwing around accusations just because you are frustrated with the situation!
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Cause'. When you make an accusation, you are claiming that a person is the 'cause' of a problem or crime.
Quick Quiz
The politician vehemently denied the ______ of corruption brought against him.
Correct!
The correct answer is: accusation
Examples
He made a serious accusation against his neighbor regarding the stolen bicycle.
everydayHe made a serious accusation against his neighbor regarding the stolen bicycle.
The prosecution presented a formal accusation of fraud against the former CEO.
formalThe prosecution presented a formal accusation of fraud against the former CEO.
Stop throwing around accusations just because you are frustrated with the situation!
informalStop throwing around accusations just because you are frustrated with the situation!
The study analyzes how the accusation of witchcraft influenced social dynamics in the 17th century.
academicThe study analyzes how the accusation of witchcraft influenced social dynamics in the 17th century.
The company issued a press release to address the accusation of unfair trade practices.
businessThe company issued a press release to address the accusation of unfair trade practices.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
hurl accusations
to make many angry or aggressive claims against someone
point the finger
to accuse someone of being responsible for something bad
under accusation
being the person who is currently being accused
Often Confused With
An allegation is a claim that hasn't been proven yet, while an accusation is the act of charging someone with a crime or error.
An indictment is a formal legal document for a serious crime, whereas an accusation can be informal.
Usage Notes
The noun 'accusation' is frequently followed by the preposition 'of' (to describe the act) or 'against' (to describe the target). It is a countable noun.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'accusation for' instead of 'accusation of'. For example, say 'an accusation of theft' rather than 'an accusation for theft'.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Cause'. When you make an accusation, you are claiming that a person is the 'cause' of a problem or crime.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'accusare', meaning 'to call to account' or 'to bring to trial'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western legal systems, the principle of 'presumption of innocence' means an accusation is not proof of guilt until evidence is provided in court.
Quick Quiz
The politician vehemently denied the ______ of corruption brought against him.
Correct!
The correct answer is: accusation
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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