To blame, reproach, or censure someone for their actions or words; to take someone to task.
彼は部下の遅刻をきつく咎めた。
He severely rebuked his subordinate for being late.
みんなの前で過ちを咎めるのはやめてください。
Please don't criticize me for my mistake in front of everyone.
親は子どもの危ない行為を咎めるべきだ。
Parents should reproach children for dangerous behavior.
To question or challenge someone (often a suspect); to interrogate or press someone for answers.
警官は遺体発見時のアリバイについて彼を咎めた。
The officer questioned him about his alibi at the time the body was found.
彼女は記者に過去のスキャンダルについて咎められたが、詳細は答えなかった。
Reporters pressed her about past scandals, but she did not give details.
To aggravate or flare up (an injury); to become inflamed or worsened.
寒さで古い関節の痛みが咎めてきた。
The cold has started to aggravate my old joint pain.
To have one's conscience pricked; to feel guilty or uneasy about something (often used in the phrase 気が咎める).
友人の頼みを断ってから、ずっと気が咎めている。
I've felt guilty ever since I refused my friend's request.
少しでも人に迷惑をかけたら気が咎める性格だ。
He has a nature that feels badly even for inconveniencing others a little.