Compunctions

Compunctions are feelings of guilt or moral scruples that prevent or follow the performance of a dishonest or immoral action. It's an internal prompting of conscience, a pang of uneasiness arising from a perceived violation of moral principles or societal norms. These feelings often involve regret, remorse, and a desire to make amends, acting as a psychological barrier against behaviors considered unethical or harmful. They can range from mild discomfort to overwhelming remorse, strongly influencing ethical decision-making and behavioral restraint. compunctions serve as a crucial component of empathy and social cohesion.

Compunctions meaning with examples

• Despite the potential reward, Sarah had compunctions about accepting the promotion, knowing it meant sacrificing her team. She knew that it would cause others to take on additional burdens. Eventually, her strong moral feelings caused her to decline. She wanted what was right, even if it meant making a difficult personal choice.
• The hacker had no compunctions about breaching the company's security, justifying his actions as exposing corporate greed. The damage caused to individuals' private accounts left no impact. He claimed that the company did it to themselves. The damage to the company’s reputation did not concern him.
• After realizing the extent of the damage his lie caused, John was consumed by compunctions, desperately trying to repair the relationships he had damaged. He spent sleepless nights regretting his actions. The guilt he felt drove him to confess his wrongdoing. He wanted to show his remorse to everyone he knew.
• Even though there was nobody around to see, the thief experienced overwhelming compunctions and decided to return the wallet he had stolen. He felt a sudden moral pull, a voice inside that questioned his actions. The potential legal repercussions of his theft were also a concern.
• Her past actions and the current situation of those she had hurt brought about a wave of compunctions, making it difficult for her to enjoy her current successes. She was having trouble accepting the joy from her work. She was haunted by the memories of her cruel and selfish ways.