What does recrimination mean?
Recrimination is a formal word for blame turned into a contest. It most commonly denotes a heated exchange of accusations, as when two people or parties answer one another's complaints with countercharges. It can also refer to a single accusation made in retaliation, especially in legal or political argument. Unlike the general verb “accuse,” recrimination implies antagonism and suggests that fault is being pushed backward and forth rather than calmly established. The noun is often used in the plural for such exchanges: a dispute may produce bitter recriminations on both sides. The word is especially common in formal reporting, courtroom language, and political debate. It is useful where ordinary words such as “criticism” do not fully capture the hostile, retaliatory tone. Although rooted in the Latin accusation of crime, modern usage rarely concerns actual criminal conduct; it more often describes interpersonal or institutional blame.
nounAn angry or accusatory exchange in which people blame one another; also, an accusation made in return for an accusation.
- A heated exchange of mutual accusations or blame.
- An accusation made in retaliation for another accusation.
"The negotiations broke down amid bitter recrimination, with each side accusing the other of bad faith."
"The committee's report was dismissed as an exercise in political recrimination."
"Her accusation of misconduct prompted a furious recrimination from the accused."
The plural is commonly used for a series or exchange of mutual accusations and blame.
"Both sides traded recriminations rather than addressing the substance of the dispute."
Recrimination turns blame into a mirror: every accusation invites another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recrimination come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from French récrimination, which was derived from Latin recriminatio. Latin recriminare meant “to accuse in return” and combined the prefix re-, meaning “back” or “against,” with criminare, “to accuse.” Related English words such as “crime,” “criminal,” “criminate,” and “crimination” share the same Latin root associated with accusation and wrongdoing.
Related word forms
How recrimination is actually used
This is a formal and often adversarial word, especially common in legal, political, and institutional contexts. The plural is frequently used when describing blame or accusations exchanged between people or parties.
Easily confused with recrimination
Recrimination is the accusation or exchange of accusations, whereas retaliation is the action taken in response to a perceived wrong.