<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>sincere penitence or remorse.</li><li>Synonyms: regret, compunction.</li><li>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).</li></ul>