compunction
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Middle English, from Old French, derived from Late Latin, compunctionem (a pricking), from Latin compunctus, the past participle of compungere (to severely prick), from com- + pungere (to prick).
[edit] Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ʌŋkʃən
[edit] Noun
compunction (plural compunctions)
- A pricking of conscience or a feeling of regret, especially one which is slight or fleeting.
- 1857, Charles Dickens, Little Dorrit, ch. 6:
- [H]e would have had no compunction whatever in flinging him out of the highest window in Venice into the deepest water of the city.
- 1897, Bram Stoker, Dracula, ch. 3:
- I felt no compunction in doing so, for under the circumstances I felt that I should protect myself in every way I could.
- 1920, D. H. Lawrence, Women in Love, ch. 8:
- But he felt, later, a little compunction. He had been violent, cruel with poor Hermione. He wanted to recompense her, to make it up.
- 1857, Charles Dickens, Little Dorrit, ch. 6:
[edit] Synonyms
- regret, remorse, qualm
- See also Wikisaurus:remorse
[edit] Translations
a pricking of conscience
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