From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishanswer criticism/charges/accusations etcanswer criticism/charges/accusations etcto explain why you did something when people are criticizing you – used in news reports How do you answer the criticism that your government has done nothing to help the homeless? → answer
Examples from the Corpus
answer criticism/charges/accusations etc• The meeting was called to answer criticisms and make mid-course corrections.• Avon and Somerset Police have summonsed Redknapp to appear in court to answer charges of alleged abusive conduct.• His finance minister was busy answering charges of bribery.• In particular non-disclosure makes it difficult to answer charges that the government's policies are not properly coordinated. 