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

'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,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to charge with a crime or fault.'