Blame: Definition, Usage & Example Sentences

Meaning 1：hold responsible (blame)

blame 🔊

/bleɪm/

vt.

To say or think that someone or something is responsible for a mistake or problem.

Illustration of blame: person pointing finger accusingly in a kitchen setting

hold responsible 🔊

➕

/hoʊld rɪˈspɒnsəbl/

vt.

To assert that a person or thing is the cause of a mistake or problem.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old French 'blasmer', ultimately from Latin 'blasphemare', meaning to speak evil of.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'blame' rhymes with 'flame'; blaming can ignite conflicts.

📖 Example

When the milk in the fridge was all gone, Mom didn't blame the cat; she knew it was probably my brother who finished it. 🔊 When all the milk in the refrigerator disappeared, Mother did not hold the cat responsible; she suspected my brother drank it.

🔗 Collocations

blame someone for something – To hold a person accountable for a specific issue.

take the blame – To accept responsibility for a mistake.

put the blame on – To attribute fault to someone or something.

🔄 Synonyms

accuse (vt.) – To charge someone with wrongdoing.

condemn (vt.) – To express strong disapproval, often for moral reasons.

criticize (vt.) – To indicate faults in a disapproving way.

🚫 Antonyms

praise (vt.) – To express approval or admiration.

commend (vt.) – To praise formally or officially.

absolve (vt.) – To declare someone free from guilt or responsibility.

🌱 Derivatives

blameless (adj.) – Innocent; not deserving blame.

blameworthy (adj.) – Deserving blame or censure.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'blasphemare' (to blaspheme), 'blame' evolved to mean holding someone responsible for faults. Commonly used in legal disputes, workplace reviews, and everyday accountability discussions.