accusatory

adjective

ac·​cu·​sa·​to·​ry ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: containing or expressing accusation : accusing

an accusatory look

Examples of accusatory in a Sentence

He pointed an accusatory finger at the suspect.

The book has a harsh, accusatory tone.

Recent Examples on the Web

This can help the conversation to feel less accusatory and more like an open discussion. —Peter Weiss, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024

Be careful to present what your child has said without being accusatory. —Lisa Linnell-Olsen, Parents, 30 July 2024

Any good couples counselor will tell you, though, no matter how legitimate the grievance, it won’t be received well if it’s communicated in an accusatory way. —Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 30 July 2024

And cue the awkwardness and accusatory silences between Marilyn and Lou, the latter reluctantly sticking around for the big celebration but keeping her wary distance in the meantime. —Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin accūsātōrius "of a prosecutor, denunciatory," from accūsātor "prosecutor, accuser" (from accūsāre "to call to account, accuse" + -tor, agent suffix) + -ius, adjective suffix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing accusatory

• self-accusatory

Kids Definition

accusatory

adjective

ac·​cu·​sa·​to·​ry ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: containing or expressing accusation

an accusatory look

Legal Definition

accusatory

adjective

ac·​cus·​a·​to·​ry ə-ˈkyü-zə-ˌtōr-ē 

1

: containing or expressing an accusation

the accusatory pleading

2

: accusatorial