accused

noun

ac·​cused ə-ˈkyüzd How to pronounce accused (audio)
plural accused
: one charged with an offense
especially : the defendant in a criminal case

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accused was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near accused

Cite this Entry

“Accused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accused. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

accused

noun
ac·​cused
ə-ˈkyüzd
plural accused
: one charged with wrongdoing
especially : the defendant in a criminal case

Legal Definition

accused

noun
ac·​cused
ə-ˈkyüzd
plural accused
: a person who has been arrested for or formally charged with a crime : the defendant in a criminal case
the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trialU.S. Constitution amend. VI

Note: Certain rights guaranteed by the Constitution, such as the right to counsel, become effective once a person is characterized as an accused.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!