guilt
word
Definition
Guilt is the feeling that you have done something wrong, hurt someone, or failed in a way that matters. It can also mean responsibility for a crime or bad action.
Usage & Nuances
Most often, 'guilt' means the emotion, while legal responsibility is more formal. Common patterns: 'feel guilt', 'guilt over/about something', 'be eaten up with guilt', and 'guilt trip' (making someone feel bad to influence them). Don't confuse it with 'shame': guilt is about what you did; shame is more about how you see yourself.
Example Sentences
She felt guilt after she lied to her friend.
basic
He could see the guilt in my face.
basic
The court will decide his guilt or innocence.
basic
I still carry a lot of guilt about how I treated my brother.
natural
Don't let them use guilt to make you say yes.
natural
Once the guilt wore off, I realized I had made the right choice.
natural