kəmˈpəŋ(k)shən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English compunctioun, from Middle French componction, from Late Latin compunction-, compunctio, from Latin compunctus (past participle of compungere to prick hard, sting from com- + pungere to prick, sting) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at pungent
1.
a. : anxiety of spirit arising from consciousness of sin : deep unease caused by knowledge of guilt
compunctions of conscience
b. : normal human regret, pity, or anxiety : remorse
he showed no compunction in planning devilish engines of military destruction — Havelock Ellis
c. : a twinge of uneasiness : scruple
cheating without compunction
2. archaic : compassionate sorrow : pity
Synonyms: see penitence , scruple