Guilt: meaning, definitions and examples

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guilt

[ ɡɪlt ]

^{Context #1}

feeling

The fact or state of having committed a specified offense or crime.

Synonyms

blame, culpability, responsibility

Examples of usage

He admitted his guilt in the crime.
She was overcome with guilt for her actions.
The guilt of the defendant was proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

^{Context #2}

emotion

A feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined.

Synonyms

regret, remorse, shame

Examples of usage

He felt a deep sense of guilt for betraying his friend.
She couldn't shake off the guilt of lying to her parents.
The guilt of not speaking up weighed heavily on her conscience.

^{Context #3}

action

To cause someone to feel guilty or remorseful.

Synonyms

accuse, blame, shame

Examples of usage

His words guilted her into apologizing.
She guilted him into helping with the chores.

Translations

Translations of the word "guilt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 culpa

🇮🇳 दोष

🇩🇪 Schuld

🇮🇩 rasa bersalah

🇺🇦 провина

🇵🇱 wina

🇯🇵 罪悪感 (ざいあくかん)

🇫🇷 culpabilité

🇪🇸 culpa

🇹🇷 suçluluk

🇰🇷 죄책감

🇸🇦 ذنب

🇨🇿 vina

🇸🇰 vina

🇨🇳 罪恶感 (zuì'è gǎn)

🇸🇮 krivda

🇮🇸 sekt

🇰🇿 кінә

🇬🇪 დანაშაული

🇦🇿 günah

🇲🇽 culpa

Word origin

The word 'guilt' originated from the Old English 'gylt', meaning crime, sin, or moral defect. It has been used in English since the 12th century. The concept of guilt has been explored in various religions, philosophies, and psychological studies, highlighting its complex nature in human emotions and behaviors.