guilty */*/*/

UK [ˈɡɪltɪ] / US adjective
Word forms "guilty":
adjective guilty comparative guiltier superlative guiltiest

Metaphor:

Being guilty is like being dirty, and being innocent is like being clean. Becoming more moral or getting rid of guilt is like washing. That was a very dirty trick. ♦ I don't want to know about your squalid activities. ♦ Those with blood on their hands must be punished. ♦ It is yet another stain/blot on his character. ♦ He made a clean breast of it. ♦ Her motives were pure, though nobody believed her. ♦ My conscience is clear. ♦ They have a spotless reputation. ♦ You had better clean up your act. ♦ Let's wipe the slate clean and start again. ♦ They washed their hands of the whole business. ➡ honest

1)

a) ashamed and sorry because you have done something wrong

You shouldn't feel guilty all the time – you've done nothing to be ashamed of.

guilty about:

I still feel guilty about things I said to my mother when I was a teenager.

guilty conscience (= a feeling that you have done something wrong):

It was a clear sign that he had a guilty conscience.

b) a guilty fact is one that you feel guilty about

There goes a man with a guilty secret.

2)

a) legal someone who is guilty has committed a crime

find someone guilty/not guilty of something (= officially decide that they are guilty/not guilty):

He was found guilty of manslaughter.

plead guilty to something (= say that you are guilty):

Wright pleaded guilty to all charges.

b) someone who is guilty of something has done it

guilty of:

Patrick knew that he was guilty of lying.

This government is guilty of much talk and little action.

•

- the guilty party

Derived word:
guiltily
adverb

A footstep in the doorway made her leap, guiltily, to her feet.