compunction
kum-PUNGK-shunnounMeaning a twinge of guilt or doubt that stops or follows a wrong act
Memory hook com-PUNCT-ion: a PRICK of guilt. Reaching for her sister’s candy, Ivy feels a little prick of guilt, sharp as a cactus needle, and pulls her hand back; that twinge is compunction.
The raccoon ate the whole pie without the slightest compunction.
In context Lila felt no compunction about pointing out the error on the board, but later she felt a pang of guilt when she saw how embarrassed her teacher looked.
Similar scruple, qualm, misgiving, guilt
Opposite shamelessness, indifference
From Latin compungere, “to prick hard, to sting”: com- (thoroughly) + pungere (to prick).