Theology. sorrow for and detestation of sin with a true purpose of amendment, arising from a love of God for His own perfections (perfect contrition ), or from some inferior motive, as fear of divine punishment (imperfect contrition ).
Origin of contrition
1250–1300; Middle English contricio(u)n (<Anglo-French ) <Late Latin contrītiōn- (stem of contrītiō). See contrite, -ion
SYNONYMS FOR contrition
1 compunction, regret.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR contrition ON THESAURUS.COM
Words nearby contrition
contributor, contributory, contributory negligence, con trick, contrite, contrition, contrivance, contrive, contrived, control, control account
In contrition for having spoken so openly of his sister's affairs?
Mrs. Halliburton's Troubles|Mrs. Henry Wood
So when he had kissed her enough in gratitude and contrition he besought her to go on.
The Man and the Moment|Elinor Glyn
We should realize, too, that we are not heard for our much speaking, but for the purity and the contrition of our hearts.
A Source Book for Mediaeval History|Oliver J. Thatcher
"I wish I knew where I was,—what I was saying last," said she, in a tone of deep sorrow and contrition.
The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II)|Charles James Lever
He was all contrition in this first moment when his delinquency was brought home to consciousness.
Making People Happy|Thompson Buchanan
British Dictionary definitions for contrition
contrition
/ (kənˈtrɪʃən) /
noun
deeply felt remorse; penitence
Christianitydetestation of past sins and a resolve to make amends, either from love of God (perfect contrition) or from hope of heaven (imperfect contrition)