compunctions
Pangs of conscience
Compunctions are feelings of guilt or moral unease about doing something wrong.
The word appears almost exclusively in negative constructions: She had no compunctions about lying to get what she wanted.
Someone without compunctions acts freely, unburdened by conscience.
The singular compunction exists but is rare outside the phrase without compunction.
Guilt for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- self-reproachBlaming oneself for wrongdoing
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
- shamePainful awareness of failure
regret · repentance · self-condemnation · culpability · atonement · penance · ruefulness · self-accusation
Moral reservations about acting
- moral qualmsEthical doubts or reservations
- ethical concernsDoubts about rightness
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
inner voice · moral compass · sense of duty · conscientiousness · accountability · rectitude · honor · decency
Disinclination to act
- reservationsDoubts or advance bookings
- misgivingsFeelings of doubt
- second thoughtsDoubts after deciding
- doubtLack of firm belief
qualms · unease · uncertainty · wariness · ambivalence · reticence · squeamishness · disquiet
remorse
Guilt for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- self-reproachBlaming oneself for wrongdoing
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
shame · regret · repentance · self-condemnation · culpability · atonement · penance · ruefulness · self-accusation · blameworthiness
scruples
Moral reservations about acting
- moral qualmsEthical doubts or reservations
- ethical concernsDoubts about rightness
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
integrity · inner voice · moral compass · sense of duty · conscientiousness · accountability · rectitude · honor · decency · uprightness
reluctance
Disinclination to act
- reservationsDoubts or advance bookings
- misgivingsFeelings of doubt
- second thoughtsDoubts after deciding
doubt · qualms · unease · uncertainty · wariness · ambivalence · reticence · squeamishness · disquiet · trepidation
compunctionsruthlessness
Lack of compassion or mercy
remorselessness · callousness · cold-bloodedness · heartlessness · mercilessness
compunctionsglee
Exuberant, often impish delight
satisfaction · relish · self-satisfaction · smugness · complacency
compunctionsdecisiveness
Ability to choose firmly
boldness · certainty · confidence · single-mindedness · determination