self-guilt
Blaming oneself internally
Self-guilt is guilt directed inward—blaming yourself for real or perceived wrongdoing.
The term emphasizes that the guilt originates from one's own judgment rather than external accusation: Her self-guilt over missing the funeral was overwhelming.
It often implies excessive or unwarranted self-blame, the kind that lingers after others have forgiven you or when you've done nothing actually wrong.
Remorseful state over misdeeds
- regretSorrow over past actions
- sorrowDeep emotional distress
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- repentanceRemorseful rejection of past wrongs
compunction · heartache · pangs · grief · lamentation · ruefulness · torment · conscience
Prolonged, repetitive thinking
- overthinkingDwelling excessively on thoughts
- internalizationAbsorbing ideas as one's own
- fault-findingExcessive focus on errors
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
unforgiving · perfectionism · accountability · responsibility · owning · shouldering
Self-mortification for wrongdoing
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
- reparationCompensation for injury done
- amendsCompensation for wrongdoing
expiation · confession · apology · restitution · forgiveness · reconciliation · compensation · repayment
Loss of dignity
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- disgraceLoss of honor
- worthlessnessLack of any value
- mortificationIntense shame or embarrassment
inadequacy · unworthiness · inferiority · exposure · vulnerability · hiding · secrecy · failure
contrition
Remorseful state over misdeeds
repentance · compunction · heartache · pangs · grief · lamentation · ruefulness · torment · conscience · culpability
rumination
Prolonged, repetitive thinking
- overthinkingDwelling excessively on thoughts
- internalizationAbsorbing ideas as one's own
- fault-findingExcessive focus on errors
harsh · unforgiving · perfectionism · accountability · responsibility · owning · shouldering
penance
Self-mortification for wrongdoing
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
- reparationCompensation for injury done
amends · expiation · confession · apology · restitution · forgiveness · reconciliation · compensation · repayment · correction
humiliation
Loss of dignity
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- disgraceLoss of honor
- worthlessnessLack of any value
mortification · inadequacy · unworthiness · inferiority · exposure · vulnerability · hiding · secrecy · failure · disappointment
self-guiltself-forgiveness
Granting yourself absolution
self-acceptance · self-compassion · clear conscience · self-esteem · self-pride
self-guiltguiltlessness
Absence of culpability
innocence · blamelessness · moral clarity · exoneration · vindication
self, guilt, guilty, selfish, self-blame, guiltless, guilts, selfhood, guiltlessly