accusatory

American  

[uh-kyoo-zuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / əˈkyu zəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

1. containing an accusation; accusing.

   an accusatory look.

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Usage

What does accusatory mean? Accusatory is used to describe things that contain or suggest an accusation—a claim that someone is guilty of a crime or offense.An accusatory statement is usually one that directly claims that someone did something wrong. When someone says something in an accusatory tone, it suggests that they are accusing someone of something—even if the statement doesn’t contain a direct accusation.The similar word accusatorial can be used interchangeably to mean implying blame, but it’s more commonly applied to people to imply they are making an accusation, as in I don’t mean to be accusatorial—I was just making an observation. Example: Every one of your comments has been accusatory—how am I not supposed to think you’re blaming me?

Other Word Forms

• self-accusatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of accusatory

1595–1605; < Latin accūsātōrius, equivalent to accūsā ( re ) to accuse + -tōrius -tory ¹

Example Sentences

It’s waking up to a kitchen that feels neutral — even welcoming — instead of accusatory.

From Salon

We hear an accusatory voice coming from above us, along with some urgent footsteps that create an ominous vibration.

From Literature

This was a signal to bombard Lippmann with accusatory questions: If it’s such a great idea, why don’t you quit Deutsche Bank and start a hedge fund and make a fortune for yourself?

From Literature

Her greatest moment may be the spoken, but her accusatory horror at gun violence is something that takes a powerful opera singer to turn into a sermon from which it is impossible to turn away.

From Los Angeles Times

After being rejected, Venessa, also then in her mid-twenties, sent Jay a series of "angry and accusatory" messages, saying he was gossiping about her.

From BBC