noun

compunction

kum-PUNGK-shun/kəmˈpʌŋkʃn/

A feeling of guilt or hesitation about doing something wrong.

He feels compunction beside the broken vase.

Latino man feeling remorse beside a broken vase and disappointed white woman.

Etymology

comLatinperhaps intensifying

+punctLatinto prick, pierce

+ionLatinaction or process

The central image is a pricking or stinging of the conscience, with com- perhaps intensifying the sting. The word originally conveyed strong remorse or contrition, rather than simply an uneasy guilty feeling.

In context

Storytime Haven197:53

Then they would kill her with as little compunction as they would a fly," he said. "Ah! you do not know the callousness of those people.

The Czar's Spy: The Mystery of a Silent Love 🕵️‍♂️💘 | William Le Queux Classic Spy Thriller

More examples

She had compunctions about revealing the secret.
A flicker of compunction delayed his reply.
The company acted without compunction.

Forms

compunction · compunctions

Similar words

qualm: A qualm is uneasy hesitation; compunction often specifically involves moral guilt.
remorse: Remorse follows wrongdoing; compunction can also hold someone back before acting.