Recriminate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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recriminate
[rษชหkrษชmษหneษชt ]
Definition
blame reciprocally
To recriminate means to make an accusation or to retaliate against a charge or accusation made by someone else. It involves responding to allegations with additional accusations, often in a heated or confrontational manner.
Synonyms
accuse, countercharge, retaliate.
Examples of usage
- After the argument, they began to recriminate each other.
- In the heated debate, he didn't hesitate to recriminate his opponent.
- Their relationship deteriorated as they continued to recriminate.
- The couple often found themselves in a cycle of recrimination.
Translations
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Origin of 'recriminate'
The word 'recriminate' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the Latin 'recriminate', which means 'to accuse in return'. The prefix 're-' indicates repetition, and 'criminare' comes from 'crimen', meaning 'accusation' or 'crime'. Thus, the term essentially describes the act of making counter-accusations. Initially used in legal contexts, the term has evolved over time to encompass broader social interactions where blame-shifting occurs. Its usage has remained consistent in depicting scenarios of mutual accusations, particularly in personal relationships or political disputes.