Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Compunction

//kəmˈpʌŋk.ʃən// noun

Definitions

Noun

1
A pricking of conscience or a feeling of regret, especially one which is slight or fleeting. countable, uncountable
"Besides, to do De Joinville justice, he felt, too, a degree of kindly compunction for the former harsh judgment entertained of one who so little deserved it; and—for there is no such thing in the human mind as an unmixed sensation—he was struck both with the spirit with which she resented, and the proud humility with which she forgave the affront."
2
a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed) wordnet

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”).

Next best steps

Find stronger synonyms See usage examples Check pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: compunction