compunction
pronunciation
How to pronounce compunction in British English:
UK [kəmˈpʌŋkʃn]
How to pronounce compunction in American English:
US [kəmˈpʌŋkʃən]
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- Noun:
- a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
Word Origin
- compunction
- compunction: [14] Etymologically, to do something ‘without compunction’ means literally to do it without one’s conscience pricking. The word comes via Old French componction from late Latin compunctiō, a derivative of compungere ‘prick hard’, a compound verb formed from the intensive prefix com- and pungere ‘prick’ (source of English puncture and pungent).=> puncture, pungent
- compunction (n.)
- mid-14c., from Old French compunction (12c., Modern French componction), from Late Latin compunctionem (nominative compunctio) "remorse; a pricking" (of conscience), noun of action from past participle stem of Latin compungere "to severely prick, sting," from com-, intensive prefix (see com-), + pungere "to prick" (see pungent). Used in figurative sense by early Church writers. Originally a much more intense feeling, similar to "remorse," or "contrition."
Example
- 1. I would have broken my word without compunction .
- 2. Caplan concedes that some may feel compunction about having more ( or any ) children when they are already short on time and resources .
- 3. She stood me up without compunction .
- 4. Some people can deceive others without compunction .
- 5. She kept us waiting without the slightest compunction .