remorse

Remorse is a complex moral emotion characterized by deep regret for actions or omissions that have harmed others or violated one's moral code. It typically involves sorrow, self-reproach, and the desire to make amends or accept responsibility. Remorse draws on affective feelings and cognitive appraisal of one’s conduct, and it can motivate reparative behavior or ethical change, even after the harm has occurred.

Remorse is often discussed in relation to guilt, but the two are not identical. Guilt centers on responsibility for a specific action, while remorse encompasses a broader self-evaluation and a wish to make amends. Remorse may be experienced without confessing, or may be dampened by denial; conversely, it can become excessive and rumination.

In psychology, remorse is studied as a moral emotion that can promote social bonding and accountability. Some individuals may experience trait remorse, a stable tendency toward self-reproach. Persistent or debilitating remorse can be associated with anxiety or depressive symptoms. In contrast, diminished remorse can be a feature of certain personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder or psychopathy, though diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment.

The term derives from Latin remordere, "to bite back," via Old French remord. Culturally, remorse is linked with concepts of repentance, atonement, and restorative justice, reflecting the view that moral repair is possible after wrongdoing.