Definition

Noun: A sudden, sharp feeling of guilt or remorse. It describes a brief but intense emotional experience where one feels bad about something they have done or failed to do.

Usage

This noun is typically used to describe an involuntary, acute emotional sensation. It often implies that the feeling is temporary but powerful, striking the person suddenly. * She felt a guilt pang when she remembered she had forgotten her friend's birthday. * A sudden guilt pang hit him as he lied to his parents.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in the plural form "guilt pangs" or "pangs of guilt" to describe repeated or ongoing sharp feelings of remorse.
  • He was plagued by guilt pangs after the argument.
  • She experienced sharp pangs of guilt whenever she thought about her decision.

Variants and Related Words

• Pang (noun): A sudden sharp pain or painful emotion (e.g., a pang of hunger, a pang of jealousy). "Guilt pang" is a specific compound of this word.
• Guilt (noun): The fact of having committed a specified or implied offense; the feeling of having done wrong.

Synonyms

• Twinge of guilt: A slight or sudden feeling of guilt.
• Stab of guilt: A very sudden and painful feeling of guilt.
• Remorse: Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed. (This is a more general and sustained feeling, not necessarily sudden or sharp like a "pang").

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Pangs of conscience: A very similar phrase meaning sharp feelings of guilt or moral unease.
  • His betrayal caused him severe pangs of conscience.

Noun

1. pangs of feeling guilty