Pronunciation: [ˈansəz t͡ʃˈɑːd͡ʒɪz] (IPA) 
The phrase "answers charges" refers to the act of responding to allegations or accusations made against someone. In phonetic transcription, it can be written as /ˈæn.sərz ˈtʃɑr.dʒɪz/. The stress is on the first syllable of both words, and the vowel sounds are pronounced as follows: "a" as in "cat" for "an", "uh" as in "up" for "sers", "ar" as in "car" for "charges", and "i" as in "bit" for "zes".
The phrase "answers charges" is a legal expression that refers to the act of formally responding or providing a defense in a legal setting against allegations or accusations made against an individual, entity, or party. It typically involves the accused party articulating their defense or declaring their innocence regarding the specific charges brought against them.
In legal proceedings, when an individual, defendant, or respondent answers charges, they are submitting a response to the court or the party that has brought the allegations or charges. This response can vary depending on the specific legal system or jurisdiction but generally involves providing an explanation, argument, or evidence to refute or challenge the validity of the accusations. The accused party may choose to deny the charges entirely, claim innocence, or provide a counter-argument against the allegations.
The act of answering charges is essential to ensure due process and provide an opportunity for individuals to exercise their right to defend themselves in a legal dispute. It allows the accused party to exercise their constitutional rights such as the right to a fair trial, the right to confront the accuser, or the right to legal representation. By responding to the charges, the accused party has the opportunity to present their side of the story, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, or challenge the legal basis for the allegations.
The phrase "answers charges" is not a specific word but rather a combination of two words: "answers" and "charges". Therefore, it does not have an etymology as a single unit. However, we can examine the origins of each individual word:
1. "Answers": The word "answers" is derived from the Middle English word "andsweren" which came from Old English "andswarian" meaning "to respond". It is a combination of two words: "and-" (against) and "swerian" (to swear). Hence, the word "answers" originally referred to responding to a sworn statement or oath.
2. "Charges": The word "charges" can be traced back to the Old French word "charge" which means "a load" or "burden". It ultimately originates from the Latin word "carricare" meaning "to load".
