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

Derived Forms

• reˈmorsefully, adverb
• reˈmorseful, adjective
• reˈmorsefulness, noun

Other Words From

• prere·morse 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

Suspending Ms Robinson from the nursing register for a year, the panel said while she had "provided evidence of developing insight, remorse and reflection", there remained "insufficient evidence of full remediation".

From BBC

Pickthall, ahead of his sentencing, had addressed a letter to the judge outlining his remorse for this actions.

From BBC

Anyone who voted against Kamala Harris last Tuesday to protest the Biden-Harris administration’s policy on the war in Gaza may soon feel the pangs of buyer’s remorse.

From Slate

She also expressed remorse for her actions, the panel said.

From BBC

According to US prosecutors, Johnston showed little remorse for his actions while demonstrating "a clear knowledge of, and participation in, the violence used by rioters that day".

From BBC

Related Words

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