remorse

[ri-mawrs]

noun

1. deep and painful regret for wrongdoing; compunction.

   Synonyms: contrition

2. Obsolete.,  pity; compassion.

remorse

/ rɪˈmɔːs /

noun

1. a sense of deep regret and guilt for some misdeed

2. compunction; pity; compassion

Other Word Forms

• preremorse noun
• remorsefully adverb
• remorseful adjective
• remorsefulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of remorse¹

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” ( mordant )

Word History and Origins

Origin of remorse¹

C14: from Medieval Latin remorsus a gnawing, from Latin remordēre to bite again, from _re- + mordēre to bite

Synonym Study

See regret.

Example Sentences

A report detailing the judgement, said the panel had not been given any evidence of "insight or remorse".

From BBC

The panel cited evidence of insight, remediation, and remorse.

From BBC

It also said he had shown an "absence of remorse" and had brought the profession into disrepute.

From BBC

Sentencing McEntee, Judge Sherrard said the priest had shown a complete lack of remorse and that it had taken courage for his victims to come forward.

From BBC

"Your failure to exhibit any remorse pours salt into all the victims' wounds," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• anguish 
• compassion 
• contrition 
• grief 
• guilt 
• penance 
• pity 
• regret 
• repentance 
• shame 
• sorrow