التّهمة
Accusal
Difficulty Level
Description
التّهمة (al-tuhma) is an Arabic noun meaning 'accusation' or 'charge.' It refers to a formal or informal claim that someone has committed a wrongdoing, crime, or misdeed. This word is commonly used in legal, social, and everyday contexts to describe allegations against a person.
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Example Sentences
وُجِّهَت إليه تُهمة السَّرقة.
Wujjihat ilayhi tuhmat al-sariqah.
A charge of theft was directed at him.
التّهمة الموجّهة ضدّه خطيرة جداً.
Al-tuhma al-muwajjaha didduhu khatirah jiddan.
The accusation against him is very serious.
أنكر التّهمة بشدة وأقسم بأنه بريء.
Ankara al-tuhma bi-shidda wa-aqsama bi-annahu bari'.
He denied the accusation strongly and swore that he was innocent.
ألقيت عليه عدة تُهم في المحكمة.
Alqiyat alayhi iddatu tuhum fi al-mahkamah.
Several charges were laid against him in court.
هذه تُهمة لا أساس لها من الصّحة.
Hadhihi tuhma la asas laha min al-sihha.
This accusation has no basis in truth.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Words
Cultural Notes
In Arab legal systems, which are influenced by Islamic law (Sharia) and civil law traditions, the concept of تُهمة (accusation) carries significant weight. The burden of proof in Islamic courts traditionally requires strong evidence before someone can be convicted. In contemporary Arab societies, false accusations are taken seriously, and defamation laws protect individuals from baseless charges.
Usage Tips
Remember that تُهمة is a noun used in both formal and informal contexts. When using it, you can say 'وُجِّهَت تُهمة' (a charge was directed) or 'اتّهمه بـ' (he accused him of). Be careful to distinguish between تُهمة (the accusation itself) and الاتّهام (the act of accusing). The plural form is تُهم (tuhum).
Understanding التّهمة (Al-Tuhma): Accusation in Arabic
The Arabic word التّهمة (al-tuhma) is a fundamental term in legal and everyday Arabic discourse, meaning "accusation" or "charge." This noun is essential for anyone learning Arabic, particularly those interested in legal terminology or understanding Arabic media and literature.
Definition and Meaning
التّهمة literally translates to "accusation" or "allegation." It represents a claim, formal or informal, that someone has committed a wrongdoing or crime. The word carries significant weight in both judicial and social contexts, as accusations can profoundly affect a person's reputation and legal standing.
Grammar and Structure
التّهمة is a feminine noun in Arabic. Its plural form is تُهم (tuhum). When used in sentences, it can be modified with adjectives that agree in gender and number, such as:
- التّهمة الخطيرة (the serious accusation)
- التّهمة الموجّهة (the directed/brought charge)
- تُهم متعددة (multiple accusations)
Usage in Legal Contexts
In Arab legal systems, التّهمة is a critical term used in courtrooms and legal documents. The phrase "وُجِّهت إليه تُهمة" (a charge was brought against him) is commonly used when someone is formally accused of a crime. Lawyers, judges, and legal professionals frequently use this term when discussing cases.
Common Expressions
Several phrases commonly accompany this word:
- نفى التّهمة (nafa al-tuhma): to deny the accusation
- أثبت التّهمة (athbata al-tuhma): to prove the accusation
- رفع التّهمة (rafa al-tuhma): to drop the charge
- التّهمة الموجّهة (al-tuhma al-muwajjaha): the charge brought forward
Related Vocabulary
Understanding التّهمة requires knowledge of related words:
- الاتّهام (al-ittiham): the act of accusing (related verb form)
- المتّهم (al-muttaham): the accused person or defendant
- اتّهم (ittahama): to accuse (verb)
- المحكمة (al-mahkama): the court
- القاضي (al-qadi): the judge
- البراءة (al-baraa): innocence (antonym)
Cultural and Legal Context
In Islamic law tradition, which influences many Arab legal systems, accusations hold particular significance. The concept of "innocence until proven guilty" exists in modern Arab courts, but historically, Islamic jurisprudence required very strong evidence (such as witnesses or confessions) before convicting someone. False accusations in Islamic tradition are considered serious sins and crimes against someone's honor.
In contemporary Arab society, defamation and slander laws protect individuals from baseless accusations, reflecting the cultural importance placed on personal honor and reputation.
Practical Usage Tips
When learning to use التّهمة, remember:
- It is always used as a noun, not a verb
- The verb form is اتّهم (to accuse)
- It commonly appears in news reports, legal documents, and serious conversations about wrongdoing
- When multiple accusations exist, use the plural form تُهم
- It often appears with prepositions like ضدّ (against) or إلى (to/toward)
Examples in Context
Hearing or reading التّهمة in Arabic media, literature, or conversation often involves discussions of serious matters. For instance, news reports might state: "ألقت الشّرطة القبض على المشتبه به بعد توجيه تُهم الاحتيال" (The police arrested the suspect after charges of fraud were brought).
Mastering this word and its usage will significantly enhance your ability to understand and discuss legal matters, news reports, and serious conversations in Arabic.