責め
せ
め
Meanings
1
responsibility; liability; blame
Used when someone is held accountable or blamed for a failure or problem. Often appears in set phrases like 責めを負う (to take the blame).
The responsibility for the accident lies with the driver.
He was made to take the blame for the failure.
2
Refers to physical or mental torment, often in historical or dramatic contexts. Commonly seen in compounds like 責め苦 (torture, agony).
The prisoner was subjected to severe torture.
The interrogation was a cruel torment.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉の責めを免れないcannot escape the blame for ~
He is in a position where he cannot escape blame for this failure.
- 責めに耐えるto endure torture/torment
He endured every torture without ever talking.
- 責めを受けるto be held to blame; to be punished
The boss was blamed for his subordinate's mistake.
Expressions
- 責めを負うtake the blame; take responsibility; assume liability; bear the burden