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

Explanation

An accusatory statement is a way of pointing your finger at someone and saying, “I know you did it!” It shows someone you think they did something wrong. The adjective accusatory is popular in murder mysteries. Screaming, "The butler did it!" is accusatory. Giving someone the evil eye is accusatory. Sometimes accusatory words or actions are obvious, and other times they're subtle. Any time you want to describe something that makes an accusation, call it accusatory.

Example Sentences

Accusatory models of interrogation lay great emphasis on body language, partly because the hostile interviewer has already cut off his richest source of information: words.

From The Guardian • Oct. 13, 2017

Accusatory words rose to Perry’s lips, but he did not speak them.

From Real Gold A Story of Adventure by Fenn, George Manville