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: 1250–1300;Middle Englishcontricio(u)n (< Anglo-French) < Late Latincontrītiōn- (stem of contrītiō). See contrite, -ion
Christianity detestation of past sins and a resolve to make amends, either from love of God (perfect contrition) or from hope of heaven (imperfect contrition)