self-recrimination

noun

self-re·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-ri-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-recrimination (audio)
plural self-recriminations
: the act of accusing or blaming oneself
… a story whose own identity slips from the slow burn of an erotic thriller to a far deeper, more wrenching study of parental loss, self-recrimination and grief.Ann Hornaday
All of the past year's regrets and self-recriminations came rushing back: the sleepless nights, the anguished days.Justin Peters

Examples of self-recrimination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Even following this final defeat, Napoleon remains steadfast in his disdain for self-recrimination, blaming the men under his command for being unable to correctly execute his orders. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 This is also a movie about the complex nature of family love, and how even the strongest bonds can become entwined with regrets and self-recrimination. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Aug. 2023 Caught up in a whirlwind of public opprobrium, Demna and the brand’s executives seemed unsure how to react, before finally offering up statements of public apologies and self-recrimination. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 1 June 2023 That kind of profound self-recrimination — especially coupled with Logan’s refusal to discuss it — surely trickles down. Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 26 May 2023 Lyrically, the song’s subject is mired in self-recrimination and despair, pleading with a lover to leave in order to find their own freedom, engendering a sense of angst and selflessness. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 15 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-recrimination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-recrimination was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near self-recrimination

Cite this Entry

“Self-recrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-recrimination. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-recrimination

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