Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

guilt

Noun
/ɡɪlt/
Definition
A feeling of having done something wrong or failed to do something right.
Examples
  • She felt a deep sense of guilt after not visiting her friend in the hospital.
  • The guilt of lying to her parents weighed heavily on her conscience.
  • He experienced guilt when he realized how his actions had hurt others.
Meaning
Guilt often arises when a person believes they have violated their own moral standards or the expectations of others.
Synonyms
  • remorse
  • Regret
  • Shame
  • Compunction
  • Contrition