allege

/əˈlɛdʒ/

verb

  1. To state under oath, to plead.

  2. To cite or quote an author or his work for or against.

  3. To adduce (something) as a reason, excuse, support etc.

  4. To make a claim as justification or proof; to make an assertion without proof.

    "The agency alleged my credit history had problems."

verb

  1. To lighten, diminish.