recrimination

[ ri-krim-uh-ney-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of recriminating, or countercharging:

   Hope gave way to recrimination with both sides claiming the moral high ground.

2. a countercharge:

   The poll suggests that the public is frustrated by the bickering and recriminations.

recrimination

/ rɪˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of recriminating
2. law a charge made by an accused against his accuser; countercharge

Other Words From

• self-re·crimi·nation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of recrimination¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French, from Late Latin recrimination-, stem of recriminatio “criticism,” equivalent to Medieval Latin recrīmināt(us), past participle of recrīminārī “to accuse in turn” + -iō -ion ( def ); recriminate ( def )

Example Sentences

Now that we've had a chance to catch our breath a little bit and get through the grieving process over last Tuesday's election, the inevitable recriminations have begun in earnest.

From Salon

Although the loss has plunged some Democrats into recriminations and soul searching about the future of their party, experts are urging them not to place the blame on Latinos.

From Los Angeles Times

“There would be boozy rows aplenty — some in front of other couples — or long silent stews of resentment or recrimination or shame,” wrote Zehme.

From Salon

A week after flash floods hit eastern Spain, recriminations are flying over who was to blame for the country’s worst natural disaster in living memory amid angry scenes on the part of those affected.

From BBC

Tensions between Israel and the UN over its peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon have escalated in recent days – although the confrontations have their roots in years of mistrust and recriminations.

From BBC

Related Words

• allegation
• complaint
• denunciation
• impeachment
• indictment