self-accusing
Definition
- Adjective:
- Characterized by blaming oneself: "self-accusing" describes a state or expression where a person accuses or blames themselves for a fault, error, or wrongdoing. It is often used to convey a sense of guilt or remorse directed inward.
Usage Examples
- (Her expression showed that she was blaming herself.)
- (He made statements that criticized or condemned his own actions.)
Advanced Usage
"a self-accusing tone": a manner of speaking that reveals the speaker's inner blame or guilt.
- He spoke in a self-accusing tone, admitting that he should have known better. (His voice conveyed that he held himself responsible.)
"self-accusing thoughts": internal reflections where one repeatedly blames oneself.
- She was tormented by self-accusing thoughts after the accident. (Her mind was filled with self-blame.)
Variants and Related Words
Self-accusation (noun): the act of accusing oneself.
- His self-accusation was so intense that it affected his sleep. (The process of blaming himself was severe.)
Self-accused (adjective): having accused oneself; being the object of one's own accusation.
- The self-accused criminal confessed to the police. (He had already blamed himself before any external accusation.)
Synonyms
- Self-blaming: expressing blame toward oneself.
- Guilt-ridden: dominated by feelings of guilt.
- Remorseful: feeling deep regret for a wrong action.
Related Idioms
"To beat oneself up": to criticize or blame oneself harshly.
- Stop beating yourself up over the mistake — it wasn't entirely your fault. (Do not engage in harsh self-accusation.)
"To point the finger at oneself": to direct blame toward oneself.
- In the meeting, he pointed the finger at himself for the project's failure. (He accused himself.)