accuser

[uh-kyoo-zer]

noun

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

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

Other Word Forms

• self-accuser noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accuser¹

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

Example Sentences

About his accuser Virginia Giuffre, Andrew said he had "no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever".

Read more on BBC

The emails suggested that Prince Andrew in 2011 had sought personal information about his accuser Virginia Giuffre from his police protection officers and that he had already had her social security number.

Read more on BBC

But the sheer number of Spacey’s accusers suggests that his acquittal was hardly an exoneration.

Read more on Salon

The Metropolitan Police said it is "actively" looking into media reports that Prince Andrew tried to obtain personal information about his accuser Virginia Giuffre through his police protection.

Read more on BBC

Sothea’s friends say their questions were reinforced by the changing stories of some of his accusers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When To Use

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.