ACCRUE
accrue (<<schwa>>-kroo), vb.1. To come into existence as an enforceable claim or right; to
arise <the plaintiff’s cause of action for silicosis did not accrue until the plaintiff knew or had
reason to know of the disease>. [Cases: Action 61; Limitation of Actions 43–114. C.J.S.
Actions §§ 230–234; Contracts § 582; Employ-er–Employee Relationship § 87; Limitations of
Actions §§ 21, 81–195, 197–212, 303; Physicians, Surgeons, and Other Health-Care Providers §
108; RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) § 16.]
“The term ‘accrue’ in the context of a cause of action means to arrive, to commence, to come
into existence, or to become a present enforceable demand or right. The time of accrual of a cause
of action is a question of fact.” 2 Ann Taylor Schwing, California Affirmative Defenses § 25:3, at
17–18 (2d ed. 1996).
2. To accumulate periodically <the savings-account interest accrues monthly>. — accrual,n. [Blacks Law 8th]