Compunction
(noun)
- A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.
- Remorse for a past action or behavior.
Origin:
From latin compunctio, from compungere, meaning to prick.
Examples:
- He felt a compunction for the way he had treated his friend.
- She had no compunction about lying to her boss.
- He felt a compunction for his past actions and decided to make amends.
- The compunction was overwhelming and he couldn't shake it off.
- He had no compunction about cheating on the test because he believed it was fair game.