recrimination

noun

re·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ri-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən 

: a retaliatory accusation

also : the making of such accusations

endless recrimination

recriminate

ri-ˈkri-mə-ˌnāt 

intransitive verb

recriminative

ri-ˈkri-mə-ˌnā-tiv 

adjective

recriminatory

ri-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

ri-ˈkrim-nə-

adjective

Examples of recrimination in a Sentence

The discussion turned into a heated debate with recriminations flying back and forth.

The meeting ended with bitterness and recrimination.

Recent Examples on the Web

That move led to recriminations from the state GOP against Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration, but little was said when UTC merged with Raytheon the following year and shortly afterwards abandoned Massachusetts for a new headquarters in Virginia. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Apr. 2024

When Grady finds Ashley’s body the next day, the subsequent quest for answers sets off a chain reaction of recrimination and revelations. —Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024

In the weeks before Biden’s address, recriminations escalated. —Shalom Lipner, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2024

That’s essentially the end of the conversation, bar a bit more shouting and deserved recriminations from Olivia. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin recrimination-, recriminatio, from recriminare to make a retaliatory charge, from Latin re- + criminari to accuse — more at criminate

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing recrimination

• self-recrimination