conscience-stricken

[ kon-shuh ns-strik-uh n ]

/ ˈkɒn ʃənsˌstrɪk ən /

greatly troubled or disturbed by the knowledge of having acted wrongfully.

Origin of conscience-stricken

First recorded in 1810–20

But Miss Margaret was busily occupied with the pony and the reins, and had no sympathy to extend to a conscience-stricken boy.

Tommy Tregennis |Mary Elizabeth Phillips
Conscience-stricken, she couldn't do enough for Aunt Dot now that the secret date was fixed.

Vera |Elisabeth von Arnim
Norman, conscience-stricken, had hidden himself in the shrubbery.

Norman Vallery |W.H.G. Kingston
So she let the letter lie unopened, fearing an imperative call, conscience-stricken at the neglect of these last days.

The Salamander |Owen Johnson

The conscience-stricken creature trembled before my gaze, and then made a rush for the door.

Bill the Minder |W. Heath Robinson

conscience-stricken

feeling anxious or guilty Also: conscience-smitten