recrimination
UK: /rɪˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ | US: /rɪˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/
n. An accusation made in response to another accusation; a countercharge.
n. Mutual blame or verbal conflict where both parties accuse each other.
recrimination = re<again> + crimin<accusation> + ation<noun suffix>
- re: Prefix meaning "again" or "back," from Latin re-.
- crimin: Root derived from Latin crimin- (stem of crimen), meaning "accusation" or "charge."
- ation: Suffix forming nouns indicating an action or process, from Latin -atio.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin recriminatio, combining re- (expressing repetition) and criminari ("to accuse"). It entered English via French récrimination in the 16th century, originally describing legal counter-accusations. Over time, it broadened to denote any mutual blame, reflecting the cyclical nature of disputes.
Their argument devolved into bitter recriminations.
The debate was marked by recriminations rather than constructive dialogue.
She refused to engage in recrimination, focusing instead on solutions.
Political recriminations often overshadow policy discussions.
The meeting ended with mutual recriminations between the two departments.