English Explanatory Dictionary

compunction

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A pricking of conscience or a feeling of regret, especially one which is slight or fleeting.

Pronunciation

/kəmˈpʌŋk.ʃən/ en-au-compunction.ogg

Word forms

compunction compunctions

Etymology

From Middle English compunccion, borrowed from Old French compunction, from Late Latin compunctionem (“a pricking”), from Latin compunctus, the past participle of compungere (“to severely prick”), from com- + pungere (“to prick”).

Synonyms

qualm regret remorse agenbite rue ruth compunction contrition guilt penitence repentance self-reproach sorriness

Related words

contrition penitence penance guilt

Derived words

compunctionless
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