GUILTY CONSCIENCE Meaning and
Definition
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A guilty conscience refers to a psychological and moral state characterized by a sense of remorse, self-reproach, or unease resulting from one's awareness or belief of having committed wrong or unethical actions or thoughts. It is an internal conflict in which an individual experiences feelings of guilt, regret, or shame due to their perceived transgressions against their own moral code or societal norms. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding of morality and personal responsibility.
A person with a guilty conscience often exhibits symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, or a constant preoccupation with the wrongdoing for which they feel responsible. This state of mind is typically triggered by the recognition of their own moral failings or the negative consequences of their actions. It may manifest in various forms depending on the individual, influencing their behaviors, emotions, and overall well-being.
A guilty conscience can arise from actual wrongdoing or even irrational beliefs about being responsible for a negative outcome. It can also be influenced by the individual's perception of societal expectations or personal standards. In some cases, the guilty conscience can serve as a catalyst for self-reflection, moral growth, or efforts to rectify the perceived wrongdoings. However, if the guilt becomes overwhelming or persistent, it may lead to detrimental effects on the person's mental health, leading to conditions such as chronic guilt, anxiety, or even depression.
In conclusion, a guilty conscience is a distressing emotional state stemming from an individual's acknowledgment of violating personal or societal norms, which may result in remorse and feelings of self-condemnation.
Common Misspellings for GUILTY CONSCIENCE
- fuilty conscience
- vuilty conscience
- builty conscience
- huilty conscience
- yuilty conscience
- tuilty conscience
- gyilty conscience
- ghilty conscience
- gjilty conscience
- giilty conscience
- g8ilty conscience
- g7ilty conscience
- guulty conscience
- gujlty conscience
- guklty conscience
- guolty conscience
- gu9lty conscience
- gu8lty conscience
- guikty conscience
Etymology of GUILTY CONSCIENCE
The word "guilty" comes from the Old English word "gyltig", which means "culpable, sinful". It originates from the Proto-Germanic word "gultiga", which means "guilty" or "faulty".
The word "conscience" comes from the Latin word "conscientia", which means "knowledge within oneself" or "sense of right and wrong". It is derived from the Latin words "con-" meaning "with" and "scire" meaning "to know".
When these two words are combined, "guilty conscience" refers to a feeling of remorse or regret due to one's awareness of having done something wrong or against their own personal moral code.
Idioms with the word GUILTY CONSCIENCE
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A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
The idiom "A guilty conscience needs no accuser" means that someone who feels guilty or has a guilty conscience does not need anyone else to point out their wrongdoings or accuse them, as they are already aware of their own actions or feelings of guilt.
