remorse

noun

re·​morse ri-ˈmȯrs How to pronounce remorse (audio)
Synonyms of remorsenext
1
: a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : self-reproach
2
obsolete : compassion

Did you know?

In Latin, mordere means "to bite;" thus, remorse is something that "gnaws" at you over and over. In criminal court, judges are always looking for signs that a convicted felon is suffering remorse for his crime; if not, the judge may well lengthen his sentence or deny him parole after serving part of it. Remorse is stronger than mere regret; real remorse is the kind of thing that may last a lifetime.

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for remorse

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing.

penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

Examples of remorse in a Sentence

I could forgive him for what he did if he showed some remorse. he felt a deep remorse for having neglected his family over the years
Recent Examples on the Web Inmate’s remorse and trial defense warranted mercy, petition argued Dorsey is deeply remorseful for the murders, his attorneys said. —Dakin Andone, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024 The comment was cited by the jury foreperson in her case and by Oxford High families as callous and showing her lack of remorse. —Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 9 Apr. 2024 The prosecution's memo also says James Crumbley asserted his innocence in a pre-sentence report, indicating a lack of remorse. —Selina Guevara, NBC News, 9 Apr. 2024 Prosecutors rejected the requests in the memo to the judge, saying neither had shown remorse for their roles in the deaths of four children. —USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024 And in the climate crisis, this existential fear—and remorse—was rendered so much larger, planetary in scale. —Megan Hunter, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2024 The Black Adam star expressed remorse about his political past and cast skepticism on the state of the nation in an interview with Fox News’ Will Cain this week. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2024 Remember that each gesture of remorse or act of restitution serves as a testament to the resilience and depth of human connection. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 British journalist Owen Jones and actor Blake Lively also expressed remorse for piling on. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'remorse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French remors, from Medieval Latin remorsus, from Late Latin, act of biting again, from Latin remordēre to bite again, from re- + mordēre to bite — more at mordant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of remorse was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing remorse

Dictionary Entries Near remorse

remord

remorse

remorseful

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Remorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remorse. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

remorse

noun
re·​morse ri-ˈmȯ(ə)rs How to pronounce remorse (audio)
: a deep regret coming from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : self-reproach
Etymology

Middle English remorse "a deep regret for having done wrong," from early French remors (same meaning), from Latin remorsus, noun derivative of remordēre "to bite again," from mordēre "to bite" — related to morsel

Word Origin
The Latin verb remordēre literally meant "to bite again." The Romans, however, usually used it with the meaning "to torment," because being tormented was like getting bitten again and again. A noun derivative of this verb is remorsus, which in early French was used to form the noun remors. This noun was used to refer to the deep regret that torments one for having done something wrong. In the 15th century, this French word was taken into English as remorse with the same meaning.

More from Merriam-Webster on remorse

Nglish: Translation of remorse for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of remorse for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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