English vocabulary · C2
Compunction
/kəmˈpʌŋk.ʃən/ · n.
Compunction is the bad feeling you get when you think you have done wrong. It can make you stop before you hurt someone or do more harm.
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Example sentences
- He stole the coat without compunction.
- Compunction made her return the cash.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- com — strongly (from Latin)
- punct — prick (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- GUILT — feeling bad about wrongdoing (Feeling you did wrong)
- REMORSE — deep pain about wrongdoing (Deep pain after harm)
- REGRET — sadness about a past choice (Wishing you chose differently)
Words with the same root
punct — prick
- puncture — make a small hole
- punctuate — add marks to writing
Lesson notes
Compunction is the bad feeling you get when you think you have done wrong. It can make you stop before you hurt someone or do more harm.
Related: guilt, remorse, regret. Use compunction when your choice feels wrong.
He stole the coat without compunction. Compunction made her return the cash.
From Latin. Com- means strongly. Punct- means prick. A prick felt strongly after harm is compunction.