guilt

[gilt]

guilt Definition

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

Using guilt: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "guilt" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She felt a deep sense of guilt for not visiting her sick friend.

  • Example

    He was consumed by guilt after stealing the money.

  • Example

    The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges against him.

  • Example

    The guilt of the accused was never proven.

guilt Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using guilt

  • have a guilty conscience

    feel guilty about something one has done

    Example

    He must have a guilty conscience because he avoids me all the time.

  • appear as if one has done something wrong

    Example

    He looked guilty when I asked him about the missing money.

  • the legal principle that a person is considered guilty of a crime until it is proven otherwise

    Example

    In some countries, the legal system operates on the principle of guilty until proven innocent.

Phrases with guilt

  • a feeling of guilt imposed on someone, especially an attempt to make someone feel guilty about something

    Example

    She always puts me on a guilt trip whenever I don't do what she wants.

  • something that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not generally held in high regard or is seen as taboo

    Example

    Watching reality TV is my guilty pleasure.

  • guilty conscience

    a feeling of guilt or remorse that affects one's actions or thoughts

    Example

    He couldn't enjoy the stolen money because of his guilty conscience.

Origins of guilt

from Old English 'gylt', meaning 'crime, sin, fault, fine'

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Summary: guilt in Brief

The term 'guilt' [gilt] refers to a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc. It can be real or imagined and is often accompanied by phrases like 'guilty conscience' and 'guilty pleasure.' 'Guilt trip' is used to describe an attempt to make someone feel guilty about something, while 'guilty until proven innocent' is a legal principle that assumes guilt until proven otherwise.

How do native speakers use this expression?