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

The left's path to victory isn't closed off yet, but the recriminations began weeks ago.

From Washington Post

The tense gathering was marked by outbursts, insults and recriminations before a unanimous vote by the school board halted the proceedings and police cleared the hall.

From Washington Post

Rather than rallying together in response to the attack, lawmakers are as deeply riven by recriminations as their constituents.

From Time

American history is full of bitter battles and recriminations, most forgotten by all but political scholars.

From Washington Post

What unfolded was the culmination of more than a year of frustration, suspicion and recrimination.

From ProPublica

And the spasms of Republican recrimination have been profoundly ahistorical.

From The Daily Beast

He rejected recrimination in favor of reconciliation and knew the future demands we move beyond the past.

From The Daily Beast

In a country torn apart by bloodshed and recrimination, that alone speaks volumes.

From The Daily Beast

So far the only thing that emerged from their meeting was mutual recrimination, but this was not pre-ordained.

From The Daily Beast

Reading Bishop and Lowell, a different recrimination pops up: will I ever have a friendship that comes close to this?

From The Daily Beast

The project of a congress was accordingly abandoned, and everywhere recrimination gave place to rejoicing.

From Project Gutenberg

Though I have abundant cause to complain of my husband, my own wrong-doing prevents any recrimination on my part.

From Project Gutenberg

Matters drifted on in general discontent and mutual recrimination until 1810.

From Project Gutenberg

She saw also a just recrimination upon her deceit on the part of observant Heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, after long debate and much recrimination, the matter was arranged, and they shook hands before separating.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• allegation
• complaint
• denunciation
• impeachment
• indictment