Nota: La traducción de esta entrada está actualmente en revisión de calidad, por lo que parte del contenido se muestra temporalmente solo en inglés.
Esta entrada aún no se ha traducido a tu idioma, así que se muestra el original a continuación.
compunction
This term describes a sharp, stinging sense of regret or a moral hesitation that acts as a psychological brake against wrongdoing. It carries a more formal and precise tone than guilt, often emphasizing the internal conflict or the prick of conscience experienced immediately before or after an action.
Because it refers to an abstract emotional state, the word is treated as an uncountable noun. It does not take a plural form and cannot be counted with numbers; instead, it is typically modified by adjectives like slight, deep, or total, or used with phrases such as a sense of or a feeling of.
Meanings
Examples
He stole the money without a shred of compunction.
I felt a sudden pang of compunction for lying to my parents.
She had no compunction about firing the underperforming staff.
The dictator crushed the rebellion without any compunction.
Do you feel no compunction for what you have done to her?
He felt some compunction about leaving his partner behind.
I have no compunction in saying that this plan is a disaster.
The thief showed absolutely no compunction during the trial.