French word

accusé

Pronunciation

IPA/akyze/

Meaning

  • masculine noundefendant

Example

L'accusé nie les faits.

The defendant denies the facts.

Illustration for accusé (defendant)

More examples

Un accusé présumé attend son procès.

A presumed defendant awaits his trial.

Core concept

A person seated before a court, facing a charge and answering for it.

Common phrases

  • un accusé présumé

    a presumed defendant

  • l'accusé principal

    the main defendant

  • un accusé de meurtre

    a defendant accused of murder

Similar words

suspect: A person suspected of a crime or wrongdoing.
accusateur: A person who accuses another of a crime or fault.
criminel: A person who has committed an act prohibited by law.
délinquant: A person who repeatedly commits minor offenses or acts of delinquency.

Definition in French

Personne présentée devant un tribunal pour répondre d'une accusation.

Word origin

Accusé is the noun use of the past participle of accuser, from Latin accusare, formed with ad- and causa.

Usage tips

  • The article elides before this vowel sound: l'accusé is standard, while le accusé is incorrect.

Other meanings

  • accusedadjective
  • blamedadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word