accuser

American  

[uh-kyoo-zer] / əˈkju zər /

noun

1. a person who accuses, especially in a court of law.

   a trial in which the accuser and accused may freely speak.

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Usage

What does accuser mean? An accuser is someone who accuses someone of a crime or offense—says that they are guilty of it. Doing so is called making an accusation. Accusing can happen in everyday situations, such as children accusing each other of not sharing, but accuser is typically only used in serious situations, especially when someone accuses someone else of committing a crime. The person against whom the accusation is made can be described with the adjective accused. 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. In many legal systems, the accused has the right to face their accuser in court. Example: This verdict has finally brought some justice to his many accusers.

Other Word Forms

• self-accuser
  noun

Etymology

Origin of accuser

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at accuse, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Accusers and their families told the Nevada court he exploited his position as a spiritual leader, with multiple victims attending his ceremonies or approaching him for medical help.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Accusers believed witches floated but Krieger sank and was saved, the marker states.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 30, 2023

Accusers demanded the ability to anonymously blow the whistle.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2022

Deborah Tuerkheimer calls this phenomenon the “credibility discount,” in her new book, entitled, Credible: Why We Doubt Accusers and Protect Abusers.

From Slate • Sep. 22, 2021

Accusers of the brethren are not few; and they are always active when God is at work, and His servants are rendering Him true homage.

From The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan by White, Ellen Gould Harmon