allegation

Borrowed from Middle French allégation, from Latin allegatio, from allegare. See allege.

• (UK, US) enPR: ăl'ĭ-gā'shən, IPA^(key): /ˌæl.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/, /ˌæl.əˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

• Audio (US)

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  Rhymes: -eɪʃən

allegation (plural allegations)

1. An assertion, especially an accusation, not necessarily based on facts.

   She put forth several allegations regarding her partner in hopes of discrediting his actions.

   • 2011 December 14, Steven Morris, “Devon woman jailed for 168 days for killing kitten in microwave”, in Guardian‎:

     Philip Miles, defending, said: "This was a single instance, there was no allegation of continuing behaviour over a long period of time."

   • 2004 April 15, “Morning swoop in hunt for Jodi's killer”, in The Scotsman‎:

     A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "We can confirm that a 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Jodi Jones. A 45-year-old has also been arrested in connection with allegations of attempting to pervert the course of justice. A report on this has been sent to the procurator fiscal."

2. The act of alleging.

• accusation
• assertion
• censure
• charge
• crimination
• impeachment