accused

1 of 2

noun

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

accused

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of accuse

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing accused

Rhymes for accused

See All Rhymes for accused

Browse Nearby Words

accuse
accused
accusement
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Cite this Entry

“Accused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accused. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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 trial—U.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.

More from Merriam-Webster on accused

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for accused

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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