remorse

noun

re·​morse ri-ˈmȯrs How to pronounce remorse (audio)
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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jones has admitted wrongdoing, expressed remorse and is pleading for probation, Cleveland.com reports. Sam Allard, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025 The unearthed audio, recorded while the couple lived together in London during the filming of the Disney+ series Loki’s second season, captured Majors expressing remorse. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 21 Mar. 2025 His commitment to carrying out Trump’s agenda has prompted some Democrats to express remorse over their votes to confirm him. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025 His effort to put an amusing spin on the buyer’s remorse is certainly a cut above the anti-Musk bumper stickers that have become internet bestsellers and now adorn many a Tesla — including Cybertrucks. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remorse

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remorse. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!