kən.ˈtrishən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English contricioun, from Old French contricion, from Late Latin contrition-, contritio, from Latin contritus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : state of being contrite : consciousness of guilt or sin giving rise to humility and sorrow
the tears of my contrition … repentance for things past — Edmund Spenser
tears of contrition for her negligence
2. obsolete : the act of grinding : friction
Synonyms: see penitence