accused

American  

[uh-kyoozd] / əˈkyuzd /

adjective

1. charged with a crime, wrongdoing, fault, etc..

   the accused boy.

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noun

1. Often the accused a person or persons charged in a court of law with a crime, offense, etc.

accused British  

/ əˈkjuːzd /

noun

1. law the defendant or defendants appearing on a criminal charge

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Usage

What does accused mean? Accused is an adjective that 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. To accuse someone of something means to say that they are guilty of it. This can happen in everyday situations, such as children accusing each other of not sharing. But accused is most used in the context of the criminal justice system to indicate that a person has been officially charged with a crime. Example: The accused was escorted in the courtroom by police.

Other Word Forms

• misaccused
  adjective
• self-accused
  adjective
• unaccused
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of accused

First recorded in 1585–95; accuse + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Some witnesses accused Harfuch of being on the payroll of the cartel believed to be behind the disappearances, which he has repeatedly and vehemently denied.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

At one point, Councilmember Nithya Raman accused Mayor Karen Bass and reality TV star Spencer Pratt of teaming up to attack her.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

The news comes just a month after the most recent temporary cease-fire, a 32-hour pause for Orthodox Easter when both sides accused the other of breaking the truce.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Iran's military accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting its ships, including an oil tanker, that were moving towards the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

“He accused me of stealing!” said Conor, pointing at Frank.

From "The Missing Mitt (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #2)" by Franklin W. Dixon