account for

Definitions

1. 1

   To explain by relating circumstances

   To explain by relating circumstances; to show that some one, thing or members of a group are present or have been processed.

   • I don't have to account for anything to you.
   • The storekeeper was expected to account for any material removed.
   • […] But there are still four cartridges in the revolver. Two have been fired and two wounds inflicted, so that each bullet can be accounted for.
2. 2

   To be the primary cause of

   • The torrential downpour would account for the saturated state of the land.
3. 3

   To constitute in amount or portion.

   • German speakers accounted for 37% of the population.
   • ... and car strikes account for more than 50000, it's obvious the wolves' effect on the state's deer herd is so small as to be meaningless.
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To make or render a reckoning of funds, persons, or things.

      • His mind accounted for one useless article after another in a vain search for any kind of makeshift tool. Not a scrap of metal, not even a serviceable edge of broken stone or brick, had been left to suggest escape.
      • When you deduct the direct and indirect costs, the picture looks a little different. Only mail and coal traffic generated a net revenue when accounting for all costs, not just direct operating costs.
   2. 5

      To be answerable for.

   3. 6

      To destroy or put out of action.

      • Coyotes account for more rabbits than hunters do.
      • Allied Air Forces Account for 34 Axis Aircraft
      • South Vietnamese counter-attacks helped account for 239 guerrillas reported killed in the 24 hours ending at 6 today, 86 of them in allied air attacks
   4. 7

      To kill, as in hunting.

      • He accounted for two deer today.

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