remorse
Americannoun
-
deep and painful regret for wrongdoing; compunction.
- Synonyms:
- contrition
-
Obsolete. pity; compassion.
noun
-
a sense of deep regret and guilt for some misdeed
-
compunction; pity; compassion
Related Words
See regret.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of remorse
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English from Middle French remors from Medieval Latin remorsus, past participle of Latin remordēre, “to bite back, vex, nag,” equivalent to Latin re- re- + mordēre “to bite” ( see mordant)
Explanation
Remorse, a noun, is what you feel if you regret your actions or wish for another outcome. The noun remorse has a very vivid origin. It comes from the Latin roots re for "again" and mordere "to bite." So, if you feel remorse, it means that your conscience is working on you, your past actions are biting you back, and making you feel very regretful. Synonyms for this word are "penitence," "rue," and "contrition." If you took a cookie from the cookie jar and ate it you can't return it; all you can feel is remorse for what you did!
Vocabulary lists containing remorse
Spider-Man's Word Web
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25
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"Marriage is a Private Affair" by Chinua Achebe
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Solicitor Philip Breen, acting on behalf of Love, said that while his client had waived the right to a pre-sentence report, she has expressed both genuine remorse and shame for what she did.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
Our results suggest that a growing number of them – especially moderates, African Americans and young people – are experiencing voter’s remorse.
From Salon • May 20, 2026
People with strong psychopathic traits often show reduced empathy, little remorse for harmful actions, and, in some cases, a greater likelihood of criminal behavior.
From Science Daily • May 10, 2026
Both times the Board of Parole Hearings denied her release, stating that she showed no signs of remorse.
From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026
A normal person would feel a shard of remorse, but not Butler.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
