Meaning & Definition of word "Blame"

Blame

/bleɪm/

noun:

  • 1. the responsibility for a fault or wrong.
    • Example: The blame for the failure was placed on the project manager.
  • 2. censure; condemnation.
    • Example: He accepted the blame for the mistake.
  • 3. a state of being blamed.
    • Example: No one wants to be the one who carries the blame.

verb:

  • 1. to assign responsibility for a fault or wrong.
    • Example: She didn’t want to blame anyone for the accident.
  • 2. to hold responsible for a fault or wrong; to criticize.
    • Example: The teacher blames the poor performance on lack of preparation.
  • 3. to find fault with someone.
    • Example: It's easy to blame others when things go wrong.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'blamer', from Latin 'blasphemare' (to revile, blaspheme)

Common Phrases and Expressions

pass the blame:

To avoid responsibility by assigning it to someone else.

blame it on:

To attribute a negative outcome to someone or something.

take the blame:

To accept responsibility for a wrongdoing.

Related Words

accusation:

A statement saying that someone has done something wrong.

scapegoat:

A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings of others.

Slang Meanings of blame

Meaning: throw someone under the bus

Example Sentence: He threw his colleague under the bus to save his own job.

Meaning: pass the buck

Example Sentence: Don't blame me, I'm just passing the buck.