guilt definition - Dictionary

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guilt

guilt [ gilt ]

noun

Definition:

1. awareness of wrongdoing: an awareness of having done wrong or committed a crime, accompanied by feelings of shame and regret

feelings of guilt

2. fact of wrongdoing: the fact of having committed a crime or done wrong

an admission of guilt

3. responsibility for wrongdoing: the responsibility for committing a crime or doing wrong

Some of the guilt must attach to the parents.

4. legal culpability: the responsibility, as determined by a court or other legal authority, for committing an offense that carries a legal penalty

[ Old English gylt, origin ?]

Spelling Note


	guilt or gilt? Do not confuse the spelling of guilt and gilt, which sound similar. Guilt is a noun denoting the fact or awareness of having done wrong: Guilt was written all over her face. Gilt is a noun or adjective referring to a thin layer of gold (as in lettering in gilt, gilt picture frames).