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compunction definition

com·punc·tion (kəm puŋk′s̸hən)

noun

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

Etymology: 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:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

compunction Synonyms

compunction

n.

  1. A sense of guilt or remorse

    remorse, contrition, shame; see regret 1, repentance, shame 2.

  2. A twinge of uneasiness or pity

    misgiving, qualm, hesitation; see qualm 1, regret 1. See syn. study at qualm, repentance.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

compunction Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • feel: Yet why should I feel any compunction about my family, I might well ask.

Adjective modifier

  • little: However there is little compunction on developed countries to follow the same advice.
compunction usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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"compunction." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/compunction>

APA Style

compunction. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/compunction

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