guilt Hear it!

guilt definition

guilt (gilt)

noun

  1. the state of having done a wrong or committed an offense; culpability, legal or ethical
  2. a painful feeling of self-reproach resulting from a belief that one has done something wrong or immoral
  3. conduct that involves guilt; crime; sin

Etymology: ME gilt < OE gylt, a sin, offense

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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