Accused Meaning

Accused

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A person who has been charged with a crime or is suspected of having committed a wrongdoing.
2. The individual against whom legal action is being taken, typically in a court of law.
3. To be formally charged or blamed for an offense, whether criminal or civil.

History and Origin

The word “accused” comes from the Latin accusare, meaning “to call to account” or “to blame.” The term has been used in legal contexts for centuries, particularly in judicial proceedings where a person is identified as the defendant in a case. The use of the term is often tied to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, which has been a foundational principle of many legal systems, particularly in Western law.

Detailed Explanation

An accused person is one who is formally charged with a crime or offense. This can occur through police investigation, public complaints, or legal proceedings. In criminal law, the accused may be arrested, detained, or brought to trial based on the charges. It is important to note that being accused does not imply guilt; it means that there is a legal allegation made against the person, which will be addressed in a court of law. The accused has the right to defend themselves and present evidence or arguments that refute the charges.

Example Sentences

1. The accused denied all charges of fraud in court.
2. The police arrested the accused after gathering enough evidence.
3. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges of theft.
4. The accused was granted bail while awaiting trial.
5. The lawyer prepared a strong defense for the accused in the murder case.
6. The accused remained silent during the questioning by the authorities.
7. The accused was found innocent after the trial.
8. The accused faces up to ten years in prison if convicted.
9. The judge instructed the jury to focus only on the evidence presented against the accused.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Defendant – The person facing charges in a legal case, similar to the accused.
2. Suspect – A person believed to have committed a crime, but not yet formally charged.
3. Offender – A person who has committed an illegal act, especially after conviction.
4. Prisoner – A person who has been detained, often after being accused or convicted.
5. Culprit – A person responsible for a crime or wrongdoing, though not always proven to be the accused.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Indictment – A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, typically against the accused.
2. Allegation – A claim or assertion made by the accuser that the accused committed a crime.
3. Trial – The legal process in which the accused defends against the charges.
4. Evidence – The facts or information presented to prove or disprove the accusation against the accused.
5. Prosecution – The legal process of charging and trying the accused, typically represented by a prosecutor.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Convicted – A term used when the accused has been found guilty of a crime.
2. Exonerated – To be cleared of any wrongdoing after being accused.
3. Accusation – A formal assertion that someone is guilty of a crime, directed at the accused.
4. Arrested – To be taken into custody as a result of being accused of a crime.
5. Bail – The temporary release of the accused from custody while awaiting trial.

Antonyms

1. Innocent
2. Exonerated
3. Free
4. Justified
5. Blameless