The word "consciencestricken" refers to a feeling of guilt or remorse. The spelling of this word may seem confusing at first, but it follows a straightforward pattern. The first part, "conscience," is pronounced /ˈkɒnʃəns/, with stress on the second syllable. The second part, "stricken," is pronounced /ˈstrɪkən/, with stress on the first syllable. When combined, the stress falls on the second syllable of "conscience," resulting in /ˈkɒnʃən(t)sˌstrɪkən/. With practice, the spelling of "consciencestricken" becomes easier to remember.
The term "consciencestricken" is an adjective derived from the combination of two words: "conscience" and "stricken". It refers to a state of deep emotional distress or inner turmoil experienced by an individual due to a strong sense of guilt or moral responsibility.
When someone is described as consciencestricken, it signifies that their conscience is greatly affected by their actions or decisions, leading to intense feelings of remorse, regret, or self-reproach. This state of being is commonly associated with situations in which an individual realizes that they have acted against their own moral standards or violated ethical principles.
A person who is consciencestricken is often overwhelmed by a powerful sense of moral anguish, constantly tormented by the weight of their guilt, and mentally and emotionally affected by the consequences of their actions. Their conscience becomes the source of their distress, as it relentlessly holds them accountable for their behavior.
The condition of being consciencestricken can vary in intensity and duration, depending on the gravity of the transgression committed and the willingness of the person to confront, acknowledge, and rectify their wrongdoings. It may manifest through feelings of shame, self-doubt, or even physical symptoms such as restlessness or insomnia.
Overall, "consciencestricken" encapsulates the notion of a troubled conscience as it reflects the inner turmoil one experiences when their moral compass conflicts with their actions, resulting in a profound emotional and psychological impact.
The word "consciencestricken" is a compound word that combines "conscience" and "stricken".
The term "conscience" comes from the Latin word "conscientia", which means "knowledge within oneself" or "inner awareness". It is derived from the Latin verb "conscire", which means "to be conscious of" or "to be aware". Over time, the word "conscience" evolved to refer to an individual's moral sense or internal guide that distinguishes right from wrong.
The word "stricken" comes from the Old English word "strician", which means "to smite" or "to strike". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "strikon", which has the same meaning. "Stricken" is a past participle form of this verb, indicating that someone or something has been struck or affected by something.