Wiktionary
vb. 1 (context transitive English) To explain by relating circumstances; to show that some one, thing or members of a group are present or have been processed. 2 (context transitive English) To be the primary cause of 3 (context transitive English) To constitute in amount or portion. 4 (context transitive English) To make or render a reckoning of funds, persons, or things. 5 (context transitive English) To be answerable for. 6 (context transitive English) To destroy or put out of action.
WordNet
v. be the reason or explanation for; "The recession accounts for the slow retail business"
give reasons for; "Can you account for all these absences?"
Usage examples of "account for".
You still have to account for the attempt to kidnap Miss Gray in Washington, the shot that was fired at me in the Shoreham, Karl Morgen prancing in and out of the picture, and the very dead Mr.
That was the subliminal goal of the statement and the speaker cannot be called to account for anything.