Definition of: regret

(ri·gret′) v.t. ·gret·ted, ·gret·ting
1. To look back upon with a feeling of distress or loss.
2. To feel sorrow or grief concerning. See synonyms under MOURN.
—noun
1. Distress of mind in recalling some past event; a wish that something had or had not happened.
2. Remorseful sorrow; compunction.
3. An expression of sorrow or disappointment.
4. plural A polite declination in response to an invitation. See synonyms under GRIEF, REPENTANCE. [<OF regreter; ult. origin uncertain] re·gret′ter noun