remorse

remorse
    n 1: a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed) [syn:
         {compunction}, {remorse}, {self-reproach}]
    

Remorse \Re*morse"\ (r?*m?rs"), n. [OE. remors, OF. remors,F.
   remords, LL. remorsus, fr. L. remordere, remorsum, to bite
   again or back, to torment; pref. re- re- + mordere to bite.
   See {Morsel}.]
   1. The anguish, like gnawing pain, excited by a sense of
      guilt; compunction of conscience for a crime committed, or
      for the sins of one's past life. "Nero will be tainted
      with remorse." --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Sympathetic sorrow; pity; compassion.
      [1913 Webster]

            Curse on the unpardoning prince, whom tears can draw
            To no remorse.                        --Dryden.
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            But evermore it seem'd an easier thing
            At once without remorse to strike her dead.
                                                  --Tennyson.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Compunction; regret; anguish; grief; compassion. See
        {Compunction}.
        [1913 Webster]
    

37 Moby Thesaurus words for "remorse":
      anxiety, apologies, attrition, ayenbite of inwit, bitterness,
      compunction, contriteness, contrition, embarrassment, grief, guilt,
      guilty conscience, humiliation, mortification, pangs of conscience,
      penance, penitence, penitently, regret, regretfulness, regrets,
      regretting, remorse of conscience, remorsefulness, repentance,
      repining, rue, ruefulness, self-reproach, shame, shamefacedness,
      shamefastness, shamefulness, sorriness, sorrow, wistfulness, woe