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 Word Forms

• self-recrimination 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

The self-described Democratic Socialist on Friday met the Republican leader, setting aside months of mutual recriminations and promising to cooperate on the city's future.

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The social disruption caused by the collapse of the savings and loan industry and the rise of hostile takeovers and leveraged buyouts had given way to a brief period of recriminations.

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"It would help if both parties - and by parties I mean 'parties' not just political figures - agree to stop the recriminations and just say 'stop'."

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The commentator’s death encouraged condolences for his family and recriminations against political violence from both sides of the aisle.

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The shutdown and eventual nationalisation of Orano's operations have been surrounded by mutual recrimination, with the government and the company accusing each other of obstructiveness.

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Related Words

• allegation 
• complaint 
• denunciation 
• impeachment 
• indictment