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Compunction: meaning, definitions and examples

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compunction

 

[ kəmˈpʌŋkʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

moral feeling

Compunction refers to a feeling of guilt or regret that arises after doing something wrong. It often indicates a moral consciousness and can compel an individual to make amends for their actions. This emotion is typically experienced when one realizes that their actions have caused harm to others or violated their own ethical standards. Compunction can lead to personal reflection and motivation for change, encouraging individuals to act more responsibly in the future.

Synonyms

contrition, guilt, penitence, regret, remorse

Examples of usage

  • She felt a sense of compunction after lying to her friend.
  • His compunction over the incident drove him to apologize.
  • The politician's compunction was evident after the scandal was revealed.

Translations

Translations of the word "compunction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 compunção

🇮🇳 पश्चात्ताप

🇩🇪 Reue

🇮🇩 penyesalan

🇺🇦 каяття

🇵🇱 wyrzuty sumienia

🇯🇵 良心の呵責

🇫🇷 remords

🇪🇸 remordimiento

🇹🇷 pişmanlık

🇰🇷 양심의 가책

🇸🇦 ندم

🇨🇿 lítost

🇸🇰 ľutovanie

🇨🇳 懊悔

🇸🇮 obžalovanje

🇮🇸 sorg

🇰🇿 кешірім

🇬🇪 სირცხვილი

🇦🇿 peşmanlıq

🇲🇽 remordimiento

Word origin

The word 'compunction' comes from the Latin 'compunctio', which is derived from 'compungere', meaning 'to prick or sting'. This term combines 'com-', meaning 'together', and 'pungere', meaning 'to prick'. The concept originally implied being pricked or stung by remorse, emphasizing the inner pain that accompanies guilt. It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used in literary and religious contexts to describe the feelings associated with sinning or moral failing. Over the centuries, 'compunction' has broadened in its application but retains its essence of guilt linked with moral conscience and responsibility.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,647, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.