accusation

American  

[ak-yoo-zey-shuhn] / ˌæk yʊˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a charge of wrongdoing; imputation of guilt or blame.

2. the specific offense charged.

   The accusation is murder.

3. the act of accusing or state of being accused.

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accusation British  

/ ˌækjʊˈzeɪʃən /

noun

1. an allegation that a person is guilty of some fault, offence, or crime; imputation

2. a formal charge brought against a person stating the crime that he is alleged to have committed

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Usage

What does accusation mean? An accusation is a claim that someone is guilty of a crime or offense. To make an accusation is to accuse someone. This can happen in everyday situations, such as children accusing each other of not sharing. But accusation is typically used in a legal context to refer to an official claim or charge that a crime has been committed. A person who makes an accusation (who accuses) is called an accuser (especially when the accusation involves a crime). The adjective accused means charged with a crime or other offense. Accused is also used as a noun to refer to a person or people who have been charged with a crime, often as the accused. Statements that suggest or outright say that someone did something wrong can be described as accusatory. Example: If you’re going to make an accusation that serious, you’d better have some evidence to back it up.

Other Word Forms

• counteraccusation noun
• preaccusation noun
• reaccusation noun
• self-accusation noun

Etymology

Origin of accusation

1350–1400; Middle English accusacion < Latin accūsātiōn- (stem of accūsātiō ), equivalent to accūsāt ( us ), past participle of accūsāre ( see accuse, -ate ¹) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

When you say someone is guilty of doing something wrong you make an accusation, like your accusation that your brother used your computer without asking first. Accusation comes from the verb accuse, which means to charge someone with a crime. It is important to remember that an accusation comes about when someone thinks another person has done something wrong or committed a crime. It doesn't mean, however, that the person is guilty. There needs to be proof — an investigation or trial, even admission of guilt — before a conviction, meaning the person really is guilty.

Example Sentences

It’s a truly stunning expression of his rage and betrayal — a seething accusation — told entirely through bodies and gesture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

For years, Western nations have accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, an accusation Tehran denies.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

To my mind, these wildly inconsistent results are enough to discredit any accusation based on a Pangram analysis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The Madlanga Commission was established after a senior police officer claimed criminal gangs had infiltrated the government - an accusation that led to the sacking of the country's police minister.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

“Liar,” she says, but the accusation has no heat.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Related Words

• allegation
• complaint
• denunciation
• impeachment
• indictment
• recrimination