accuse

To accuse means to charge someone with an offense or wrongdoing; to claim they are responsible for something bad. It's a strong word that implies blame and can have serious consequences. For example: "The witness accused the defendant of lying under oath," or "She accused him of betraying her trust."

Accusations aren't just about legal matters, though. You might accuse a sibling of borrowing your clothes without asking, or a politician might be accused of corruption by their opponents. However, it's important to remember that an accusation is not proof of guilt – it's simply a claim.

The context often dictates the severity of the accusation. A casual "You accused me of being late!" is very different from a formal legal indictment where someone accuses someone else of a felony. The word carries weight, and making false accusations can lead to legal trouble itself (like defamation).

Finally, pay close attention to the grammar! The correct structure is to accuse someone of something (or of doing something), never for something. You would accuse a thief of stealing, not for stealing. Getting this small preposition right is a key step toward sounding more natural.