compunction Definition
- 1a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad
- 2a pricking of conscience
Using compunction: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "compunction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He felt no compunction in cheating on the exam.
Example
She had some compunction about lying to her parents.
Example
The thief showed no compunction in stealing from the old lady.
Example
He acted without compunction, knowing that he was doing the right thing.
compunction Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for compunction
Antonyms for compunction
Phrases with compunction
Example
I have compunctions about lying to my boss.
without guilt or hesitation
Example
The dictator killed thousands of people without compunction.
compunction of conscience
a feeling of guilt or remorse
Example
He felt a compunction of conscience after stealing the money.
Origins of compunction
from Latin 'compunctio', meaning 'pricking'
Summary: compunction in Brief
The term 'compunction' [kəmˈpʌŋkʃən] refers to a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad. It is often used in phrases like 'have compunctions about' and 'without compunction,' and can be replaced by synonyms like 'remorse' and 'penitence.'
