The term identifies an accusation in response to one from someone else. It represents a counter-accusation, effectively shifting blame or responsibility back to the original accuser. An instance of this would be Person A blaming Person B for an error, and Person B responding by accusing Person A of causing the error in the first place.
Understanding this concept is crucial when analyzing group dynamics and conflict resolution. It reveals patterns of defensiveness and the avoidance of personal accountability. Historically, the use of counter-accusations has been observed in various social and political contexts, often escalating disputes and hindering constructive dialogue.