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Definitions for: Compunction
[n] a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
Webster (1913) Definition: 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.]
That acid and piercing spirit which, with such
activity and compunction, invadeth the brains and
nostrils. --Sir T.
Browne.
2. A picking of heart; poignant grief proceeding from a sense
of guilt or consciousness of causing pain; the sting of
conscience.
He acknowledged his disloyalty to the king, with
expressions of great compunction. --Clarendon.
Syn: Compunction, Remorse, Contrition.
Usage: Remorse is anguish of soul under a sense of guilt or
consciousness of having offended God or brought evil
upon one's self or others. Compunction is the pain
occasioned by a wounded and awakened conscience.
Neither of them implies true contrition, which denotes
self-condemnation, humiliation, and repentance. We
speak of the gnawings of remorse; of compunction for a
specific act of transgression; of deep contrition in
view of our past lives. See Regret.
Synonyms: remorse, self-reproach
See Also: guilt, guilt feelings, guilt trip, guilty conscience, penance, penitence, regret, repentance, ruefulness, sorrow
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