counteraccuses
Returns the accusation
Counteraccuses means to accuse in return, responding to an accusation with one's own charge against the accuser.
When someone counteraccuses, they shift from defense to offense: When confronted about the missing funds, she counteraccused him of falsifying records.
The move is common in disputes where both parties have grievances.
Assigning blame openly
- recriminationRetaliatory accusation
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- scapegoatingUnfairly assigning fault to innocents
- deflectionChange in trajectory
culpability · faultfinding · defensive · denial · guilt · backlash · projection · mutual
Accusation against one's accuser
- counterclaimDefendant's opposing lawsuit
- defendantParty facing charges
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
allegation · testimony · cross-examine · prosecution · incriminate · implicate · perjury · sworn
Quick, cutting reply
- rejoinderReply to a reply
- riposteSwift clever reply
- comebackRecovery after decline
- counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
rebuttal · refutation · denial · contradiction · defense · reply · counterclaim · disputation
finger-pointing
Assigning blame openly
- recriminationRetaliatory accusation
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- scapegoatingUnfairly assigning fault to innocents
deflection · culpability · faultfinding · defensive · denial · guilt · backlash · projection · mutual · tit-for-tat
countercharge
Accusation against one's accuser
- counterclaimDefendant's opposing lawsuit
- defendantParty facing charges
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
indictment · allegation · testimony · cross-examine · prosecution · incriminate · implicate · perjury · sworn · deposition
retort
Quick, cutting reply
counterargument · rebuttal · refutation · denial · contradiction · defense · reply · counterclaim · disputation · pushback
counteraccusesconfesses
Acknowledges wrongdoing openly
admits · apologizes · owns up · self-incriminates · concedes
counteraccusesforgives
Ceases to blame
reconciles · makes peace · de-escalates · absolves · exonerates