survivor guilt

noun

Psychiatry.

1. feelings of guilt for having survived a catastrophe in which others died.

survivor guilt

1. A deep sense of guilt, combined often with feelings of numbness and loss of interest in life, felt by those who have survived some catastrophe. It was first noticed among survivors of the Holocaust . Survivors often feel that they did not do enough to save those who died or that they are unworthy relative to the perished.

Word History and Origins

Origin of survivor guilt¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

An austere, pained drama about postwar trauma and survivor guilt, “The Return” reduces ancient myth to its psychological studs.

From New York Times

She declared she has “survivor sorrow, not survivor guilt” because she didn’t do anything wrong.

From Seattle Times

In the decades that followed, David suffered from long-term leg injuries and survivor guilt, but managed to build a new life.

From BBC

“Sometimes survivor guilt can be about taking on more responsibility than is appropriate.”

From Washington Times

“The thing is, I feel survivor guilt,” said Fayyad, sitting behind his movie’s subject.

From Los Angeles Times