Without compunction
Meaning
To perform an action, especially a morally questionable one, completely free from any feelings of guilt, regret, or moral hesitation.
Origin
The very heart of "compunction" lies in its Latin roots, specifically "compunctio," which vividly described a "pricking of conscience." This image isn't just poetic; it comes directly from "compungere," meaning "to prick or sting," suggesting a sharp, internal jab of guilt or regret. Think of it as a tiny, unwelcome needle inside your soul, a sudden moral sting that stops you in your tracks or gnaws at you after an action. So, when someone acts "without compunction," they are utterly untouched by this internal moral sting, proceeding with an unburdened mind. It’s a chilling descriptor for a lack of empathy or a ruthless efficiency, painting a picture of a conscience that is either entirely dulled or simply nonexistent.
Examples
- The manager fired the long-term employee without compunction, citing declining profits as the sole reason.
- He lied to his parents about his whereabouts without compunction, confident they would never discover the truth.