Guilt
/ɡɪlt/
Definitions
The fact of having committed a specified or implied offense or crime.
/ɡɪlt/
A feeling of having done something wrong.
He was consumed by guilt after lying to his parents.
💡 Simply: Imagine you accidentally break your friend's favorite toy. That bad feeling you have? That's guilt! It's like your brain is saying, 'Uh oh, you did something you shouldn't have!'
👶 For kids: Feeling bad when you do something wrong.
More Examples
The evidence proved the suspect's guilt.
She struggled to overcome her feelings of guilt.
How It's Used
"Therapy often helps people process and overcome feelings of guilt."
"The prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."
"She felt a pang of guilt for forgetting her friend's birthday."
Idioms & expressions
burden of guilt
The emotional weight of feeling guilty.
"He carried the burden of guilt for years after the accident."
to be ridden with guilt
To be overwhelmed by feelings of guilt.
"She was ridden with guilt after her harsh words."
to plead guilty
To admit to committing a crime.
"The defendant decided to plead guilty to avoid a lengthy trial."
From Middle English gilte, from Old English gylt, related to *gieldan* ('to pay').
Historically, guilt was often associated with religious and moral transgressions. It's development in English coincides with the rise of legal systems.
Memory tip
Imagine a gold-filled vault (vault = guilt). If you take the gold, you'll feel guilty.
Word Origin
"sin, offense, crime"