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.
In a statement shared with the BBC through her lawyer on Saturday, Peters expressed remorse for her actions.
From BBC • May 16, 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
There is a way to share this unfortunate news that conveys your remorse and acknowledges that it may increase the cost of your friends’ trip.
From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026
Guenever did not feel remorse on her own account, but she caught it from her lover.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
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.
