Recrimination

Recrimination refers to an accusation made in response to one by someone else. It's a retaliatory accusation, often bitter and heated, and frequently found in situations of conflict or dispute. The act of recrimination aims to deflect blame, to counter an attack, or to shift the focus of criticism. It can involve pointing out flaws in the original accuser's behavior, motivations, or actions, with the intent to weaken their position and portray them as equally, or even more, culpable. Recriminations are often fueled by emotions such as anger, resentment, and a desire to defend oneself or one's side in a disagreement. They often escalate conflict instead of resolving it.

Recrimination meaning with examples

• During the divorce proceedings, the couple engaged in constant recrimination, each blaming the other for the breakdown of their marriage. Their arguments focused more on past wrongs rather than finding a solution. The animosity made it hard to come to an agreeable settlement and led to a bitter custody battle.
• Following the company's financial scandal, the executives started a public campaign of recrimination, each attempting to deflect blame from their own actions. The internal conflict prevented them from addressing the underlying issues. Stakeholders were upset, leading to a further loss of confidence and a crash in stock prices.
• In the heated debate over the new environmental policy, opposing sides responded with recrimination, each accusing the other of prioritizing political gains over the planet's health. Neither side made progress and the public became more and more weary of the incessant bickering, halting any policy from advancing forward.
• When the neighbor's dog repeatedly dug under the fence, the property owners engaged in recrimination. They accused the neighbor of negligence, while the neighbor accused them of failing to properly maintain the fence. This exchange made friendly interactions awkward and worsened the relations of both parties.