recrimination
/ɹiˌkɹɪməˈneɪʃən/
recrimination means the act of recriminating. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.
recrimination is pronounced /ɹiˌkɹɪməˈneɪʃən/.
Why “recrimination” is a great word
An accusation made in retaliation against an initial accuser. From French récrimination, from Medieval Latin recriminationem (nominative recriminatio), from Late Latin recriminari, meaning 'to make a counter-accusation,' from Latin re- ('back, again') and criminari ('to accuse'). First recorded in English 1580–90. Unlike 'accusation,' a general charge, or 'countercharge,' a formal legal rebuttal, recrimination is the intimate, corrosive currency of blame in a closed system. It is the slammed door answered by a shouted grievance, the brittle silence broken not by apology but by a dredged-up slight, the spiraling dance of two people ensuring no one gets the last word because the conversation is no longer about truth, only about hurt—a closed system where the only energy is the conservation of blame.
Etymology
From French récrimination.
noun
- The act of recriminating.
- A counter or mutual accusation.“Will's figures, if correct, serve to underscore the extent of apolitical and anti-political sentiment in our community. Rather than indulge in recriminations over who "lost" the gay vote, it might be better to ask how we can redouble our efforts or re-direct our efforts to get gays and lesbians not only registered but voting as well.”