/ gɪlt; NAmE / noun [ U ]
1.
guilt (about sth) the unhappy feelings caused by knowing or thinking that you have done sth wrong :
She had feelings of guilt about leaving her children and going to work.
Many survivors were left with a sense of guilt .
a guilt complex (= an exaggerated sense of guilt )
2.
the fact that sb has done sth illegal :
His guilt was proved beyond all doubt by the prosecution.
an admission of guilt
OPP innocence
3.
blame or responsibility for doing sth wrong or for sth bad that has happened :
The investigation will try to find out where the guilt for the disaster really lies.
► guilt·less adjective
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IDIOMS
- a guilt trip
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English gylt , of unknown origin.