allege

Universal Words verb [oftenpassive] (formal) to state sth as a fact but without giving proof: [V(that)] The prosecution alleges (that) she was driving carelessly. * [VNthat] It is alleged that he mistreated the prisoners. * [VNtoinf] He is alleged to have mistreated the prisoners. HELPNOTE This pattern is only used in the passive. [VN] This procedure should be followed in cases where dishonesty has been alleged. [also Vspeech] alleged adjective [onlybeforenoun] (formal): the alleged attacker / victim / killer (= that sb says is one) * the alleged attack / offence / incident (= that sb says has happened) * The girl gave evidence in court against her alleged attacker. allegedly adverb: crimes allegedly committed during the war