/ ˈgɪlti; NAmE / adjective ( guilt·ier , guilti·est )
HELP NOTE : more guilty and most guilty are more common
1.
guilty (about sth) feeling ashamed because you have done sth that you know is wrong or have not done sth that you should have done :
I felt guilty about not visiting my parents more often.
John had a guilty look on his face.
I had a guilty conscience and could not sleep.
2.
guilty (of sth) having done sth illegal; being responsible for sth bad that has happened :
The jury found the defendant not guilty of the offence.
He pleaded guilty to murder.
the guilty party (= the person responsible for sth bad happening)
We've all been guilty of selfishness at some time in our lives.
OPP innocent
► guilt·ily / -ɪli; NAmE / adverb
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IDIOMS
- a guilty secret
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English gyltig (see guilt , -y ).