Compunction
Etymology
From Latin “compunctionem” (a pricking), from “compungere,” to prick sharply — the intensive “com-” plus “pungere,” to prick, the same root as “puncture.” Church Latin used it for the sting of conscience, the soul pierced by awareness of sin, and English kept that image of a conscience that literally stabs.
noun · /kuhm-PUHNGK-shuhn/
A sharp pang of guilt or moral scruple about doing something wrong.
What it names
The prick of conscience that makes you hesitate before, or wince after, an act you sense you shouldn’t commit.
Example
He fired off the cutting reply without the slightest compunction, then regretted it for a week.
Related idea
Full remorse is the deep, settled sorrow that follows a wrong already done; compunction is the smaller, sharper sting — often felt beforehand — that can still hold your hand back.