'Guilt' definitions:
Definition of 'guilt'
(from WordNet)
noun
The state of having committed an offense [syn: guilt, guiltiness] [ant: innocence]
noun
Remorse caused by feeling responsible for some offense [syn: guilt, guilty conscience, guilt feelings, guilt trip]
Definition of 'Guilt'
From: GCIDE
- Guilt \Guilt\ (g[i^]lt), n. [OE. gilt, gult, AS. gylt, crime; probably originally signifying, the fine or mulct paid for an offence, and afterward the offense itself, and akin to AS. gieldan to pay, E. yield. See Yield, v. t.]
- 1. The criminality and consequent exposure to punishment resulting from willful disobedience of law, or from morally wrong action; the state of one who has broken a moral or political law; crime; criminality; offense against right. [1913 Webster]
- Satan had not answer, but stood struck With guilt of his own sin. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Exposure to any legal penalty or forfeiture. [1913 Webster]
- A ship incurs guilt by the violation of a blockade. --Kent. [1913 Webster]
- 3. A feeling of regret or remorse for having committed some improper act; a recognition of one's own responsibility for doing something wrong. "Depression is often rooted in guilt which has not been dealt with in an appropriate way." "Guilt is a natural and appropriate consequence to a wrong action." [PJC]
Synonyms of 'guilt'
From: Moby Thesaurus