self-accuser

self-accuser

A person stands in a courtroom, raising their hand as a self-accuser.

Definition

Noun: A "self-accuser" is a person who blames or condemns themselves, often for a fault or wrongdoing.

Usage Examples
  • (He blamed himself repeatedly.)
  • (The main character condemns himself.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to act as a self-accuser": to assume the role of blaming oneself.
    • In therapy, she learned not to act as a self-accuser for things beyond her control. (She stopped blaming herself unnecessarily.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Self-accusation (noun): the act or process of blaming oneself.
    • His constant self-accusation prevented him from moving forward. (His self-blame hindered progress.)
  • Self-accusing (adjective): tending to blame oneself; expressing self-blame.
    • She gave a self-accusing look when she realized her error. (A look showing she blamed herself.)
  • Self-accusatory (adjective): relating to or characterized by self-blame.
    • His self-accusatory remarks made everyone uncomfortable. (His words blamed himself.)
Synonyms
  • Self-blamer: a person who attributes fault to themselves.
  • Self-critic: someone who judges their own actions harshly.
  • Penitent: a person who feels regret for wrongdoing (often in a religious context).
Related Idioms
  • To be one's own worst critic: to judge oneself more harshly than others do.
    • She is her own worst critic, always acting as a self-accuser. (She blames herself severely.)
  • To carry the weight of the world on one's shoulders: to feel excessively responsible for problems.
    • He is a self-accuser, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. (He blames himself for everything.)