compunction

Compunction refers to a feeling of regret or remorse that can come before you do something you think is wrong, or after you've done it. It's more than simple guilt; it's a deep-seated moral uneasiness, a prick of conscience that can be quite powerful. For example: "Despite his need for money, he felt compunction about lying to his friend."

Compunction often involves a sense of scrupulousness—a close attention to moral principles. Someone with compunction is likely to carefully consider the ethical implications of their actions before proceeding. It's not just about avoiding punishment; it's about doing what feels right.

You might say someone "suffers from compunction" if they are easily troubled by feelings of guilt or regret, even over minor things. Conversely, a person who acts "without compunction" is unconcerned with the moral consequences of their actions—often suggesting ruthlessness or a lack of empathy.

Historically, compunction was also used in religious contexts to describe a feeling of sorrow for one's sins. While this meaning still exists, it's more commonly used today to describe general feelings of regret or moral hesitation.

So whether you're describing a moment of internal struggle, a strong sense of morality, or the lack thereof, compunction is all about that inner voice reminding us what we believe is right and wrong—and the discomfort we feel when we consider straying from it.