Pronunciation: [kəmpˈʌŋkt] (IPA) 
The word "compunct" can be spelled as "compunction" when used in its noun form. The main sound in this word is the 'uh' vowel sound, which is spelled as 'u' in the word 'compunct'. The sound of the letter 'm' is pronounced as a 'n' sound when it is next to the letter 'n'. The final 't' in the word is pronounced as a silent letter. Therefore, the IPA phonetic transcription for the word "compunct" is /kəmˈpʌŋkt/.
Compunct is a noun that refers to a feeling of guilt, remorse, or unease arising from one's conscience in response to wrongdoing or a moral dilemma. It encompasses the sense of regret and shame that stems from having acted in a way that conflicts with one's own moral or ethical values.
When experiencing compunct, individuals often feel a deep sense of sorrow or contrition for their actions. This feeling may arise due to a violation of their personal beliefs, or when they become aware of the suffering they have caused others. Compunct involves an internal struggle, an inner voice that questions the morality of one's behavior and prompts a desire to rectify the wrong.
The intensity of compunct can vary based on the individual's sensitivity to ethical concerns. Some may experience it as a fleeting pang of guilt, while for others, it can become a pervasive and enduring state of emotional distress. Compunct is not solely associated with actions that have harmed others; it can also arise from internal conflicts that violate one's own moral compass.
Compunct serves as a crucial mechanism for self-reflection and self-correction, encouraging individuals to strive for a more ethical and compassionate existence. The experience of compunct can lead to acts of redemption, personal growth, and the development of a more refined moral character.
The word "compunct" is derived from the Latin word "compungere", which means "to prick sharply" or "to sting". In Latin, "compungere" is a combination of the prefix "com-" (meaning "together" or "thoroughly") and the verb "pungere" (meaning "to prick" or "to pierce"). Over time, the word "compungere" developed into "compunctus" in Latin, which then evolved into "compunct" in Middle English. "Compunct" is mainly used as an adjective to describe feelings of remorse, guilt, or moral unease.
