French Conversation · Level 23
90 words
French word
accuser
Pronunciation
IPA/akyze/
Meaning
- verbaccuse
Example
Il accuse sa sœur de mentir.
He accuses his sister of lying.
More examples
Les témoins ont accusé le maire de corruption.
The witnesses accused the mayor of corruption.
Core concept
A finger points toward someone who must answer for a wrong, whether in a personal dispute or a formal charge.
Common phrases
accuser quelqu'un de quelque chose
accuse someone of something
accuser quelqu'un de mentir
accuse someone of lying
Similar words
reprocher: To reproach someone by pointing out problems in their words or behavior.
blâmer: To condemn someone's actions or attitude and hold them responsible.
critiquer: To criticize flaws in an action, behavior, or piece of work.
dénoncer: To publicly denounce wrongdoing or injustice.
Definition in French
Dire à quelqu'un, de façon directe ou formelle, qu'il est responsable d'un tort ou d'un manquement, en le réprimandant ou en le dénonçant.
Word origin
French accuser ultimately comes from Latin accusare, formed from ad- and causa, and entered French through Old French.
Usage tips
- The usual construction is accuser quelqu'un de quelque chose or de + infinitive, as in accuser sa soeur de mentir.
Other meanings
- blameverb
Opposites
- défendredefendverb
- innocenterexonerateverb
Related words
- accusationaccusationnoun
- accusateuraccusernoun
- accusatoireaccusatoryadjective