accrue

[uh-kroo]

verb (used without object)

accrued, accruing 

1. to happen or result as a natural growth, addition, etc.

   Synonyms: gather, collect, accumulate
   Antonyms: scatter, dissipate, disperse, dispel

2. to be added as a matter of periodic gain or advantage, such as an employment benefit or interest on money.

   Paid time off is accrued weekly, at a rate of one hour per week.

   Synonyms: increase, grow
   Antonyms: lessen, diminish, decrease, dwindle

3. Law.,  to become a present and enforceable right or demand.

accrue

/ əˈkruː /

verb

1. to increase by growth or addition, esp (of capital) to increase by periodic addition of interest

2. (often foll by to) to fall naturally (to); come into the possession (of); result (for)

3. law (of a right or demand) to become capable of being enforced

Other Word Forms

• accruable adjective
• accruement noun
• nonaccruing adjective
• superaccrue verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of accrue¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English acruen, acrewen, probably from Anglo-French accru(e), Middle French accreu(e), past participle of ac(c)resitre “to increase,” from Latin accrēscere “to grow”; ac-, crew ¹, accretion

Word History and Origins

Origin of accrue¹

C15: from Old French accreue growth, ultimately from Latin accrēscere to increase, from ad- to, in addition + crēscere to grow

Example Sentences

Technological innovations like AI can reduce productivity growth at first, before the benefits accrue years or even decades later.

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“That amount is more than sufficient to satisfy the judgment, plus accrued interest and enforcement costs.”

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The losses accrued as the Fed kicked off its campaign to fight inflation by raising interest rates, including on funds held at the bank.

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It is not clear how long it might have taken the couple to accrue the sum.

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As the decade wore on, Aspinall rechristened the project as “The Long and Winding Road,” refining the documentary’s scope as he accrued rare audio and footage associated with the Beatles’ unparalleled story.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• accumulate 
• amass 

When To Use

What does accrue mean?

Accrue means to grow and accumulate naturally or to be added periodically. It’s especially used in the context of finance to refer to the growth of interest in an account.The past tense of accrue (accrued) can also be used as an adjective describing something that has been accumulated, as in accrued interest.The noun form of accrue is accrual.In law, accrue means to become a legal right.Example: A retirement fund allows money to accrue over the course of your career so that you can support yourself once you stop working.