Search this site:

Definition of compunction


Reference


Word of the Day
competent
Definition: (adjective) having the skill and knowledge needed for a particular task; capable
Petersons.com
Add Word of the Day to your personalized My Yahoo! page:
Add to My Yahoo! View RSS Feed
About My Yahoo! and RSS »

 

com·punc·tion  audio  (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)


Visit our partner's site
Provided by Houghton Mifflin
logoeReference -- Download this interactive reference software to your desktop computer


Search Dictionary:

 More on Yahoo! Education
 • Online and On-Campus Degree Programs
    MBAs  -  Technology Management  -  Education  -  Health  -  More

 • College & Grad School - A Comprehensive Guide
    College Search  -  Test Prep  -  Application Tips  -  Scholarship Search
 

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Other Important Information
-