com·punc·tion (k m-p ngk shn)n. 1. A strong uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt. See Synonyms at penitence. 2. A sting of conscience or a pang of doubt aroused by wrongdoing or the prospect of wrongdoing. See Synonyms at qualm. [Middle English compunccioun, from Old French componction, from Late Latin comp  ncti , compnctin-, puncture, sting of conscience, from Latin compnctus, past participle of compungere, to sting : com-, intensive pref.; see com- + pungere, to prick; see peuk- in Indo-European roots.]com·punc tious (-shs) adj.com·punc tious·ly adv. |
compunction [kəmˈpʌŋkʃən]
n
a feeling of remorse, guilt, or regret
[from Church Latin compunctiō, from Latin compungere to sting, from com- (intensive) + pungere to puncture; see point]
compunctious adj
compunctiously adv
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  compunction - a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)regret, ruefulness, sorrow, rue - sadness associated with some wrong done or some disappointment; "he drank to drown his sorrows"; "he wrote a note expressing his regret"; "to his rue, the error cost him the game" guilt feelings, guilt trip, guilty conscience, guilt - remorse caused by feeling responsible for some offense |
compunction
noun guilt (compunction is usually used with reference to its scarcity or absence) misgiving, qualm, scruples, regret, reluctance, sorrow, remorse, repentance, contrition, penitence, stab or sting of conscience, work out He had no compunction about stealing from his parents.
Translations
compunction
n (liter) → Schuldgefühle pl, → Gewissensbisse pl; without the slightest compunction → ohne sich im Geringsten schuldig zu fühlen
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