The phrase "guilt ridden" is commonly used to describe someone who is consumed by feelings of guilt. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as [ɡɪlt ˈrɪdn], where the "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound, the "i" makes a short "ih" sound, the "l" is pronounced as a clear "l" sound, and the final syllable "-ridden" rhymes with "hidden" and has stress on the second syllable. This phrase can also be spelled as "guilt-ridden."
Guilt-ridden is an adjective used to describe an individual or a situation overwhelmed or burdened by feelings of guilt. The term combines the noun "guilt," which refers to a sense of remorse or responsibility for wrongdoing, with the suffix "-ridden," indicating being burdened or consumed by a particular state or feeling. When a person is guilt-ridden, they are deeply affected by a sense of culpability, typically stemming from actions they have taken, decisions made, or their failure to fulfill certain obligations.
The words guilt-ridden indicate that the individual is experiencing intense and overwhelming feelings of guilt, often to an extent that influences their behavior, mental state, and overall quality of life. The person may be unable to let go of past mistakes or transgressions, constantly wrestling with self-blame and self-reproach. This burden of guilt can lead to emotional distress, a compromised sense of self-worth, or even physical symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
Furthermore, the term guilt-ridden can be used to describe circumstances or situations that evoke strong feelings of guilt or shame in individuals. For instance, a guilt-ridden society refers to a collective consciousness burdened by historical wrongdoings, prompting efforts to rectify past injustices. The term can also be employed to portray a setting characterized by pervasive feelings of moral responsibility or ethical dilemmas.
Overall, guilt-ridden is an adjective that denotes an individual or a circumstance consumed by a profound and compelling sense of guilt, highlighting the intense emotional impact it has on their lives.
The word "guilt-ridden" is a compound word derived from the words "guilt" and "ridden".
1. "Guilt" comes from Middle English "gulte", which originated from Old English "gylt", meaning "crime" or "sin". It is related to Old Norse "gylta" and Old High German "guldi", both meaning "debt" or "obligation".
2. "Ridden" is the past participle of the verb "ride", which originally referred to the physical act of riding on horseback. Over time, "ridden" came to be used metaphorically to describe being controlled or burdened by something.
Therefore, when combined, "guilt-ridden" describes a state of being burdened or haunted by guilt or feelings of wrongdoing.