recriminate

verb

re·​crim·​i·​nate ri-ˈkri-mə-ˌnāt 

intransitive verb

: to make a counter accusation : charge back a fault or crime upon an accuser

in the moment's mortification however, I recriminated

—W. J. Locke

transitive verb

1

: to make a charge against (an accuser) in return

2

: to return (as a charge) in bitter retort

recriminated, "You've made the same mistake yourself"

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin recriminatus, past participle of recriminare, from Latin re- + criminare, criminari to accuse

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for recriminate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

recriminate

verb

re·​crim·​i·​nate

ri-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt

recriminated; recriminating

1

: to make a return charge against an accuser

2

: to respond bitterly

recrimination

-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən

noun