Compunction/kəmˈpʌŋkʃn/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Guilt-Driven Action Compunction often relates to the guilt that influences decisions or actions. Under the compunction of his conscience, he returned the stolen money. Pro Tip 2/3Regret Aftermath It also denotes regret felt after performing a wrongful act. She donated to charity, driven by compunction for her past selfishness. Pro Tip 3/3Moral Dilemma The word highlights a person's moral struggle before or after doing something wrong. He faced compunction before making the choice to lie in court.