1. an unpleasant emotional state involving a shared realization that one’s group or social unit has violated ethical or social principles, together with associated feelings of regret. Collective guilt is more likely when members of a group (a) strongly identify with that group, (b) feel a sense of control over or responsibility for the negative actions of other members, and (c) recognize the group’s actions are illegitimate.

2. the idea that members of a group may be held responsible for violations of norms or laws committed by other members of the same group. See group fallacy; guilt by association.