An accusation in retaliation for an accusation made against oneself; the making of such an accusation.
Example:
Their failure to find help led to endless and pointless recriminations over the responsibility for the accident.
Defending oneself from a verbal attack by means of a counterattack is almost as natural as physical self-defense. So a disaster often brings recriminations among those connected with it, and divorces and battles over child custody usually involve recriminations between husband and wife.