The Greek verb epiphero means to bring upon, to impose, to inflict, or to add to. The prefix epi- (upon) combined with phero (to bring/bear) creates the sense of bringing something down upon someone — whether judgment, charges, or additions.
Epiphero appears in Romans 3:5 in Paul's careful handling of an objection: 'Is God unjust in bringing his wrath upon us (epipheron ten orgen)?' The question is actually an accusation that Paul anticipates and dismisses. The theological point is that God's wrath against sin is not capricious or unjust — it is the consistent response of holy love to that which destroys. Jude 9 offers another angle: Michael the archangel did not 'bring a slanderous accusation' (epenenkai blasphemias krisin) against the devil, but deferred to God. The restraint of Michael — not presuming to judge beyond his authority — models the humility appropriate to all creatures before the divine Judge.