Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/əˈkjuːzd/

Definitions

• Adjective: Charged with a crime or wrongdoing.
• Noun: A person who is formally charged with a crime or wrongdoing in a court of law.

Usage Examples

• The accused was found guilty of embezzlement.
• The police arrested the accused on charges of theft.
• Despite being the accused, he maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

Etymology

The word "accused" is derived from the Old French *accuser*, from Latin *accusare*, meaning "to call to account" or "to charge someone with a crime." The term has been used in English since the 14th century and typically refers to someone who is formally charged with a criminal offense.

Synonyms

• Defendant
• Suspect
• Charged
• Appellant (in some legal contexts)
• Prisoner

Antonyms

• Accuser
• Complainant
• Defender
• Exonerated
• Innocent

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In English, the word "accused" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable: /əˈkjuːzd/. Regional accents, such as those in the United States or the United Kingdom, may exhibit subtle differences in vowel sounds, but the word remains largely consistent across different English dialects.

Historical Usage

The term "accused" has been in use since the 14th century, evolving from the Middle English *acused* and the Old French *accusé*. Initially used in legal contexts to describe someone formally charged with a crime, the term has since been adopted into everyday language to describe any person facing blame or charge for wrongdoing.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, being accused of a crime or wrongdoing carries a significant social stigma, regardless of the outcome of the trial. The notion of "the accused" often transcends the legal context, affecting one's reputation and social standing. In some societies, accusations may lead to immediate social exclusion or loss of status, even without formal legal proceedings.

More Information

The term "accused" plays a central role in legal systems around the world, where a person who is formally charged with a crime is entitled to defend themselves against the charges. The accused may face a trial, during which evidence is presented, and a verdict is determined. In many jurisdictions, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty, though public opinion may not always align with this legal principle.