accused
n. countablen. the person or group of people in a court of law who are charged with a crime. You use this word to talk about someone who is on trial but has not yet been found guilty.
n. the person or group of people charged with a crime in a court of law. Often used with the definite article to refer to the defendant in a criminal trial.
The accused stood up when the judge entered the room.
The lawyer for the accused argued that there was not enough evidence to prove his client was at the scene.
Throughout the lengthy trial, the accused maintained a calm expression, even as the prosecution presented a series of witnesses who claimed to have seen the events unfold.
* (noun): First attested in the 1590's. * From accuse (“blame”) + -ed
Commonly used with the definite article 'the' as a collective or singular noun; it can function as both a singular and plural noun without changing form.
The accuseds were led into the courtroom.The accused were led into the courtroom.The word 'accused' does not change form in the plural when used as a noun; 'the accused' can refer to one person or many people.