remorse

/ri-ˈmȯrs/

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

noun

  1. a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : self-reproach

  2. compassion

penitence repentance contrition compunction remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing. penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

idiom

  1. feelings of guilt, remorse, or regret

He suffered no agonies of guilt/remorse/regret over his decision.