Accusable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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accusable

[əˈkjuːzəbl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

legal

Capable of being accused or charged with a crime.

Synonyms

blameworthy, chargeable, culpable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
accusable	Used when someone can be formally accused of a wrongdoing or crime. The detective found the man accusable of the theft. The attorney stated that the suspect was accusable based on the evidence.
chargeable	Used in legal or formal scenarios where someone can be officially charged with a crime or offense. The suspect is chargeable with multiple counts of fraud. Under the new law, this act is chargeable as a misdemeanor.
blameworthy	Used when someone deserves to be blamed for something wrong or bad that happened. Leaving the door unlocked was a blameworthy mistake. Her reckless driving was blameworthy for the accident.
culpable	Used when someone is deserving of blame or is guilty of a wrongdoing, often in a more formal or serious tone. The judge found the defendant culpable for the crime. The company was found culpable for the environmental damage.

Examples of usage

The accusable suspect was taken into custody by the police.
In the court of law, all individuals are considered accusable until proven innocent.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general

Open to blame or criticism; deserving censure.

Synonyms

blameworthy, culpable, reprehensible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
accusable	When referring to someone who can be formally charged with a fault or misdeed, particularly in a legal sense. The evidence made him accusable in the theft case
culpable	Typically applies to someone who is legally or morally responsible for a wrongdoing. It's often used in formal or professional contexts. The company was found culpable for violating safety regulations
blameworthy	Used to describe someone who deserves to be blamed or held responsible for something wrong or poor. It is often used in everyday situations. Leaving the door unlocked was blameworthy negligence
reprehensible	Describes actions or behavior that are morally unacceptable and deserving of strong condemnation. It carries a strong negative connotation. His cruel treatment of animals is absolutely reprehensible

Examples of usage

His reckless behavior made him accusable in the eyes of his colleagues.
The company's accusable actions led to a public outcry.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In courts, a person is considered accusable if evidence suggests they may have committed a crime.
Legal systems around the world have standards that determine the accusable, ensuring fair treatment during accusations.
The concept ensures that individuals can only be held responsible if there is a legitimate case against them.

Psychological Perspective

Feeling accusable can change one's self-esteem, leading individuals to either hide from responsibility or seek to make amends.
People often rationalize their actions to avoid feeling they are accusable, which is a common psychological defense mechanism.
Societal norms can influence perceptions of who is accusable, as cultural values differ in their definitions of right and wrong.

Cultural Reflection

In literature and film, characters who are depicted as accusable often undergo moral dilemmas that lead to character development.
Cultural narratives surrounding blame and accountability reveal much about societal values and collective ethics.
Comparative studies show that cultures with higher emphasis on community may be less likely to label individuals as accusable in personal matters.

Education Systems

Educational settings teach students the importance of accountability, illustrating when and how one becomes accusable.
Programs on conflict resolution often address concepts of accusation, stressing fairness and understanding among peers.
Examining the idea of being accusable can help students develop critical thinking about social justice and ethical behavior.

Origin of 'accusable'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Late Latin word 'accusabilis,' which means 'able to be accused.'
The root 'accusare' means 'to accuse' in Latin, combining 'ad' (to) and 'causa' (cause).
It has been in use since the early 15th century, often in legal contexts.

The word 'accusable' originated from the Latin word 'accusabilis', which means 'that can be accused'. The term has been used in the English language since the 15th century. It is derived from the verb 'accuse', which comes from the Old French word 'acusare' and the Latin word 'accusare', both of which mean 'to call to account'. The concept of accusing or charging someone with a crime has been an integral part of legal systems throughout history.