An allegation is a statement or claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal. It is a serious accusation that requires proof before it can be accepted as true. Allegations can be made in various settings, including legal, political, and social contexts. This article will explore the definition and meaning of allegation, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an allegation is “a claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “an assertion unsupported and by implication regarded as unsupportable.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “a statement, made without giving proof, that someone has done something wrong or illegal.”
Origin
The word “allegation” comes from the Latin word “allegare,” which means “to assert or declare.” It entered the English language in the 15th century and was originally used in legal contexts to describe a formal statement made by a plaintiff in a lawsuit.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Different dictionaries have slightly different definitions of allegation, but they all share the basic idea that it is an unproven claim or accusation. The nuances of the definition may vary depending on the context in which the word is used.
Associations
Allegations are often associated with negative or criminal behavior, such as fraud, theft, or assault. They can also be used in political contexts to accuse someone of wrongdoing or unethical behavior. In some cases, allegations are made as part of a legal process, such as a lawsuit or criminal trial.
Synonyms
Synonyms for allegation include accusation, claim, assertion, charge, indictment, and imputation. These words all share the idea of making a statement about someone’s behavior without necessarily having proof.
Antonyms
Antonyms for allegation include exoneration, vindication, and acquittal. These words describe the opposite of an allegation, where someone is cleared of wrongdoing or found not guilty.
The same root words
The word “allegory” comes from the same root as “allegation” and means a story or image that has a hidden meaning. “Allegiance” also shares the same root and refers to loyalty or devotion to a person or cause.
Example Sentences
- The company denied the allegations of fraud made against it by the government.
- The politician faced allegations of accepting bribes from lobbyists.
- The victim’s allegations of sexual assault were taken seriously by the police.
- The defendant’s lawyer argued that the prosecution had no evidence to support their allegations.
- The newspaper published an article containing allegations of corruption within the local government.