English vocabulary · C2
Recrimination
/rɪˌkrɪm.əˈneɪ.ʃən/ · n.
Recrimination is saying someone did wrong after they say you did wrong. Each side attacks the other with words.
Watch the Recrimination lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- Recrimination ruined lunch.
- After the crash came recrimination.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- re — back (from Latin)
- crimin — blame (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- BLAME — name the guilty person (Who did wrong)
- ACCUSATION — a claim of wrongdoing (Say someone did wrong)
- RETORT — a quick angry reply (A sharp answer)
Words with the same root
crimin — blame
- criminal — a person who breaks the law
- incriminate — show someone may be guilty
Lesson notes
Recrimination is saying someone did wrong after they say you did wrong. Each side attacks the other with words.
Related: blame, accusation, retort. Use recrimination when blame comes back.
Recrimination ruined lunch. After the crash came recrimination.
From Latin. re- means back. crimin- means blame. Send blame back, and recrimination keeps the fight alive.