Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
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… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
compunction — mid 14c., from O.Fr. compunction (12c., Mod.Fr. componction), from L.L. compunctionem (nom. compunctio) remorse; a pricking (of conscience), noun of action from compunct , pp. stem of L. compungere to severely prick, sting, from com , intensive… … Etymology dictionary
compunction — ► NOUN ▪ a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows wrongdoing: he felt no compunction in letting her worry. DERIVATIVES compunctious adjective. ORIGIN Latin, from compungere prick sharply … English terms dictionary
compunction — [kəm puŋk′shən] n. [ME compunccion < OFr compunction < LL compunctio, a pricking (in LL(Ec), the pricking of conscience) < L compunctus, pp. of compungere, to prick, sting < com , intens. + pungere, to prick: see POINT] 1. a sharp… … English World dictionary
Compunction — (v. lat.), Zerknirschung, höchster Grad der Reue … Pierer's Universal-Lexikon
Compunction — Compunction, lat., Zerknirschung, Reue … Herders Conversations-Lexikon
compunction — index conscience, qualm, remorse, responsibility (conscience), scruple Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
compunction — 1 remorse, *penitence, repentance, contrition, attrition Analogous words: regret, *sorrow: conscientiousness, scrupulousness or scrupulosity (see corresponding adjectives at UPRIGHT) 2 scruple, demur, *qualm Analogous words: * … New Dictionary of Synonyms
compunction — [n] regret, sorrow attrition, conscience, contrition, misgiving, penitence, penitency, pity, punctiliousness, qualm, reluctance, remorse, repentance, rue, ruth, second thoughts, shame, stab of conscience, sympathy; concept 410 Ant. defiance,… … New thesaurus
compunction — Compunction, ou Remors de conscience, Morsus et contractiunculae auium, Synteresis … Thresor de la langue françoyse
compunction — n. 1) to feel, have; show compunction 2) compunction about (she felt no compunction about making us wait) 3) without compunction (he violated the law without the slightest compunction) * * * [kəm pʌŋkʃ(ə)n] have show compunction about (she felt… … Combinatory dictionary
