Dictionary.com

recriminate

[ ri-krim-uh-neyt ]
/ rɪˈkrɪm əˌneɪt /
Save This Word!

verb (used without object), re·crim·i·nat·ed, re·crim·i·nat·ing.
to bring a countercharge against an accuser.
verb (used with object), re·crim·i·nat·ed, re·crim·i·nat·ing.
to accuse in return.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of recriminate

1595–1605; <Medieval Latin recrīminātus (past participle of recrīminārī to accuse in turn), equivalent to re-re- + crīmin-, stem of crīmen accusation, blame (see crime) + -ātus-ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM recriminate

re·crim·i·na·tion, nounre·crim·i·na·tive, re·crim·i·na·to·ry [ri-krim-uh-nuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], /rɪˈkrɪm ə nəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjectivere·crim·i·na·tor, nounun·re·crim·i·na·tive, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use recriminate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for recriminate

recriminate
/ (rɪˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt) /

verb
(intr) to return an accusation against someone or engage in mutual accusations

Derived forms of recriminate

recriminative or recriminatory, adjectiverecriminator, noun

Word Origin for recriminate

C17: from Medieval Latin recrīmināre, from Latin crīminārī to accuse, from crīmen an accusation; see crime
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK