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scru·ple

scruple

 
 
pronunciation:
skru pl
parts of speech:
noun, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word History
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a moral or ethical consideration or doubt that gives rise to uneasiness, hesitation, or restraint; qualm.
The man had no scruples and didn't think twice before swindling the old couple out of their savings.
synonyms:
compunction, qualm
similar words:
doubt, hesitation, misgiving, pang, principle, twinge
definition 2: a unit of apothecaries' weight equal to twenty grains or 1.296 grams.
definition 3: a tiny part or quantity.
similar words:
crumb, iota, particle, speck
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: scruples, scrupling, scrupled
definition: to refrain for ethical or moral reasons; have scruples.
similar words:
balk, demur, falter, halt, hesitate, pause, refuse, shy
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: scrupleless (adj.)
Word History
Scruple comes from a Latin word that means "small sharp stone or pebble."