'Compunction' definitions:
Definition of 'compunction'
(from WordNet)
noun
A feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed) [syn: compunction, remorse, self-reproach]
Definition of 'Compunction'
From: GCIDE
- Compunction \Com*punc"tion\, n. [OF. compunction, F. componction, L. compunctio, fr. compungere, compunctum, to prick; com- + pungere to prick, sting. See Pungent.]
- 1. A pricking; stimulation. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
- That acid and piercing spirit which, with such activity and compunction, invadeth the brains and nostrils. --Sir T. Browne. [1913 Webster]
- 2. A picking of heart; poignant grief proceeding from a sense of guilt or consciousness of causing pain; the sting of conscience. [1913 Webster]
- He acknowledged his disloyalty to the king, with expressions of great compunction. --Clarendon.
- Syn: Compunction, Remorse, Contrition.
- Usage: Remorse is anguish of soul under a sense of guilt or consciousness of having offended God or brought evil upon one's self or others. Compunction is the pain occasioned by a wounded and awakened conscience. Neither of them implies true contrition, which denotes self-condemnation, humiliation, and repentance. We speak of the gnawings of remorse; of compunction for a specific act of transgression; of deep contrition in view of our past lives. See Regret. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'compunction'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- attrition,
- bashfulness,
- beef,
- better self,
- bitch,
- boggle,
- boggling,
- boycott,
- challenge,
- complaint,
- conscience,
- conscientiousness,
- contriteness,
- contrition,
- demonstration,
- demur,
- demurral,
- demurrer,
- diffidence,
- disinclination,
- exception,
- expostulation,
- falter,
- faltering,
- fear,
- grievance,
- grievance committee,
- hesitance,
- hesitancy,
- hesitation,
- howl,
- indignation meeting,
- kick,
- march,
- misgiving,
- modesty,
- nonviolent protest,
- objection,
- pangs,
- pangs of conscience,
- pause,
- penance,
- penitently,
- picketing,
- pricking of heart,
- protest,
- protest demonstration,
- protestation,
- punctiliousness,
- qualm,
- qualm of conscience,
- qualmishness,
- qualms,
- rally,
- recoil,
- regret,
- reluctance,
- remonstrance,
- remonstration,
- remorse,
- repentance,
- reserve,
- rue,
- ruth,
- scruple,
- scruples,
- scrupulosity,
- scrupulousness,
- self-reproach,
- shrinking,
- shyness,
- sit-in,
- squawk,
- stickling,
- strike,
- teach-in,
- throes,
- touch of conscience,
- twinge of conscience,
- unwillingness,
- voice of conscience