'accuse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'accusare,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'causa' meant 'reason or lawsuit.'

'accusare' transformed into the Old French word 'acuser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'accuse' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to call to account or charge with a fault,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.