Remorse is a deep feeling of regret or guilt for a wrong committed. It often arises when a person comes to realize that their actions have caused harm or hurt to others, leading them to wish they had acted differently. This emotional response reflects a strong sense of moral responsibility and can lead to a desire for atonement or making amends.
The word "remorse" originates from the Latin word "remorsus," which is the past participle of "remordere," meaning "to bite back." It combines "re-" (back) with "mordere" (to bite), reflecting the idea of a painful feeling that one experiences in relation to their past actions.