Remorse

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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.

2. Sympathetic sorrow; pity; compassion. Curse on the unpardoning prince, whom tears can draw To no remorse. Dryden. But evermore it seem'd an easier thing At once without remorse to strike her dead. Tennyson.

Synonyms: Compunction; regret; anguish; grief; compassion. See Compunction.