compunction

[ kuhm-puhngk-shuhn ]

Part of Speech noun

Origin + Etymology

Middle English from Old French componction, from ecclesiastical Latin compunctio(n- ), from Latin compungere ‘prick sharply’, from com- (expressing intensive force) + pungere ‘to prick’

Synonyms

attrition
contrition
penitence

Antonyms

indifference
no remorse

Definition

a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety of the conscience caused by regret for doing wrong or causing pain; contrition; remorse

Example

The compunction alone was enough to make Andrew apologize for his action.

Usage Over Time

#uncommon

Usage Over Time

explore more words

mulct

[ muhlkt ]

to punish (a person) by fine, especially for a misdemeanor

bijou

[ bee-zhoo ]

something small, delicate, and exquisitely wrought

blatherskite

[ blath-er-skahyt ]

a person given to voluble, empty talk; nonsense; blather

pylon

[ pay-lon ]

a marking post or tower for guiding aviators, frequently used in races

hootenanny

[ hoot-n-an-ee, hoot-nan-ee ]

a social gathering or informal concert featuring folk singing and, sometimes, dancing

glisten

[ glis-uhn ]

to reflect a sparkling light or a faint intermittent glow; shine lustrously

minatory

[ min-uh-tawr-ee ]

menacing; threatening

discombobulate

[ dis-kuhm-bob-yuh-leyt ]

to confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate

vocational

[ voh-key-shuh-nl ]

of, relating to, or connected with a vocation or occupation