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compunction

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The definition of compunction is a strong feeling of uneasiness caused by guilt.

(noun)

An example of compunction is the feeling a teenager gets when returning to their house after sneaking out and realizing their mom is awake.

See compunction in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a sharp feeling of uneasiness brought on by a sense of guilt; remorse
a feeling of slight regret for something done

Origin: ME compunccion < OFr compunction < LL compunctio, a pricking (in LL(Ec), the pricking of conscience) < L compunctus, pp. of compungere, to prick, sting < com-, intens. + pungere, to prick: see point

Related Forms:

compunctious adjective
compunctiously adverb

See compunction in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A strong uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt. See Synonyms at penitence.
A sting of conscience or a pang of doubt aroused by wrongdoing or the prospect of wrongdoing. See Synonyms at qualm.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English compunccioun

Origin: , from Old French componction

Origin: , from Late Latin compūnctiō, compūnctiōn-, puncture, sting of conscience

Origin: , from Latin compūnctus

Origin: , past participle of compungere, to sting

Origin: : com-, intensive pref.; see com-

Origin: + pungere, to prick; see peuk- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: