guilt-trip
/ˈɡɪlt trɪp/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To make someone feel guilty, often to control their actions or get what you want.
- She guilt-tripped him into staying late.
- Don't guilt-trip me about missing dinner.
- He guilt-tripped his friend into lending money.
noun
A remark, action, or attempt that makes someone feel guilty in a controlling way.
- That was a clear guilt-trip.
- His text felt like a guilt-trip.
- She used a guilt-trip to change my mind.
Adinary Nuance
A guilt-trip is not the same as honest criticism or a direct request. It suggests emotional pressure, where someone uses guilt to influence you. It is more negative and manipulative than saying you simply "reminded" someone of something. In everyday English, people often use it to describe family, friends, or partners.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- gây cảm giác tội lỗi
- Spanish
- hacer sentir culpa
- Chinese
- 道德绑架
- Japanese
- 罪悪感をあおる
- Korean
- 죄책감을 유발하다
Etymology
This is a modern compound of guilt and trip. It became common in spoken English in the late 20th century, especially in informal and social contexts.
Common phrases
guilt-trip someonea guilt-tripguilt-tripping messagesguilt-trip into doing something
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is guilt-trip formal or informal?
- It is informal. People use it mostly in speaking, texting, and everyday writing.
- What's the difference between guilt-trip and shame?
- A guilt-trip is an action that makes someone feel guilty. Shame is the feeling of being bad or embarrassed.
- Can I use guilt-trip in business writing?
- Usually no. It sounds personal and informal, so use it carefully in business contexts.