guilt

American  

[gilt] / gɪlt /

noun

1. the fact or state of having committed an offense, crime, violation, or wrong, especially against moral or penal law; culpability.

   He admitted his guilt.

   Antonyms:

   innocence

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

3. conduct involving the commission of such crimes, wrongs, etc..

   to live a life of guilt.

   Synonyms:

   criminality

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verb (used with object)

Informal.

1. to cause to feel guilty (often followed by out orinto ).

   She totally guilted me out, dude. He guilted me into picking up the tab.

guilt British  

/ ɡɪlt /

noun

1. the fact or state of having done wrong or committed an offence

2. responsibility for a criminal or moral offence deserving punishment or a penalty

3. remorse or self-reproach caused by feeling that one is responsible for a wrong or offence

4. archaic sin or crime

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Other Word Forms

• nonguilt noun
• preguilt noun

Etymology

Origin of guilt

First recorded before 1000; Middle English gilt, Old English gylt “offense”

Example Sentences

With our bills covered and savings automated, the guilt that usually follows spending money is finally gone.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

In the new world of capital jurisprudence, however, nothing is simple, even when it could help determine the guilt or innocence of someone who faces execution.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

"If we can transform the sense of guilt ordinary consumers may feel about using disposable products into something positive, and make using recycled products the norm in society, it will become economically viable," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Bass-baritone Ryan McKinny was eloquent as John Proctor, the opera’s flawed hero, cogently depicting his struggles with guilt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

My blanket of guilt instantly eases, making me stumble forward.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• culpability
• disgrace
• indiscretion
• liability
• regret
• remorse
• responsibility
• shame
• sin
• stigma