scruple
noun /ˈskruːpl/
/ˈskruːpl/
[countable, usually plural, uncountable]- a feeling that prevents you from doing something that you think may be morally wrong
- I overcame my moral scruples.
- He had no scruples about spying on her.
- She is totally without scruple.
Word Originlate Middle English: from French scrupule or Latin scrupulus, from scrupus, literally ‘rough pebble’, (figuratively) ‘anxiety’.