Compunction: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Compunction noun. A feeling of guilt or unease that holds you back from doing something wrong.
How to say it
kum-PUNK-shun/kəmˈpʌŋkʃn/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (PUNK).
Compunction in a sentence
He ate the last slice of cake without the slightest compunction.
The pirates felt no compunction about selling their captives.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- scruple
- qualm
- misgiving
- guilt
Where compunction comes from
From Latin compungere, to prick sharply, as a guilty conscience does.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The pirates felt no _____ about selling their captives.
- anhedonia
- compunction
- trepidation
Show the answer
compunction: The pirates felt no compunction about selling their captives.