Definition of compunction

< compulsory

compurgation >

com·punc·tion    (km-pngkshn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A strong uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt. See Synonyms at penitence.
2. A sting of conscience or a pang of doubt aroused by wrongdoing or the prospect of wrongdoing. See Synonyms at qualm.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English compunccioun, from Old French componction, from Late Latin compncti, compnctin-, puncture, sting of conscience, from Latin compnctus, past participle of compungere, to sting : com-, intensive pref. ; see com- + pungere, to prick; see peuk- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
com·punctious  (-shs) KEY (Adjective), com·punctious·ly(Adverb)