- guilty */*/*/
- UK [ˈɡɪltɪ] / US
adjective
Word forms "guilty":
adjective guilty comparative guiltier superlative guiltiestMetaphor: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. ➡ honest1)a) ashamed and sorry because you have done something wrongguilty about:You shouldn't feel guilty all the time – you've done nothing to be ashamed of.
guilty conscience (= a feeling that you have done something wrong):I still feel guilty about things I said to my mother when I was a teenager.
It was a clear sign that he had a guilty conscience.
b) a guilty fact is one that you feel guilty aboutThere goes a man with a guilty secret.
2)a) legal someone who is guilty has committed a crimefind someone guilty/not guilty of something (= officially decide that they are guilty/not guilty):plead guilty to something (= say that you are guilty):He was found guilty of manslaughter.
Wright pleaded guilty to all charges.
b) someone who is guilty of something has done itguilty of:Patrick knew that he was guilty of lying.
This government is guilty of much talk and little action.
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Derived word:
guiltily
adverbA footstep in the doorway made her leap, guiltily, to her feet.
English dictionary. 2014.