Compunction

Quick meaning: Compunction is a noun meaning A pricking of conscience or a feeling of regret, especially one which is slight or fleeting.

Meaning

A pricking of conscience or a feeling of regret, especially one which is slight or fleeting.

Example Sentences

As for average U.S. consumers, they've shown little compunction about buying diamonds that fund bloody militias in Africa.

[H]e would have had no compunction whatever in flinging him out of the highest window in Venice into the deepest water of the city.

But he felt, later, a little compunction. He had been violent, cruel with poor Hermione. He wanted to recompense her, to make it up.

His age—his kindness, disarmed Pen’s anger somewhat, and made Arthur feel no little compunction for the deed which he was about to do.

Word Forms

• compunctions

Synonyms for compunction

Depending on context, synonyms include qualm, regret, remorse, agenbite, rue, ruth.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include remorse, self-reproach, guilt, scruple, hesitation, complex.

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