accused

noun

ac·​cused ə-ˈkyüzd 

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

Phrases Containing accused

• stand accused of
• the accused

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.