Accusation, n.
Etymology: [OF. acusation, F. accusation, L. accusatio, fr. accusare. See Accuse.]
1. The act of accusing or charging with a crime or with a lighter offense. We come not by the way of accusation To taint that honor every good tongue blesses. Shak.
2. That of which one is accused; the charge of an offense or crime, or the declaration containing the charge. [They] set up over his head his accusation. Matt. xxvii. 37.
Syn. -- Impeachment; crimination; censure; charge.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists accusation only as an antonym, under apology.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given