verb
- to accuse beforehand or in advance; to make an accusation against someone before a formal charge or trial
Usage: rare; formal; often used in legal or historical contexts
Examples
- The prosecutor preaccuses the defendant of fraud before presenting evidence.
- Historical records show that the tribunal preaccuses suspects based on rumor rather than fact.
- To preaccuse someone without investigation violates principles of justice.
- The media preaccuses public figures, damaging their reputation before trial.
- Ancient legal systems sometimes preaccused individuals of heresy without proper inquiry.