scruple

/ˈskrupəl/

Other forms: scruples; scrupled; scrupling

Your scruples are what keep you from doing things you consider to be morally or ethically wrong. Your scruples won't allow you to cheat on a test, or steal from your brother's Halloween candy stash.

The noun scruple comes from a Latin word, scrupulus, which means a small, sharp stone. Some say that the philosopher Cicero first used the word analogously to compare a worry to a small, sharp stone in your shoe that bothers you. From there the word scruple took on the ethical principles meaning. If you are doing something bad, your scruples will bother you — but emptying your shoe probably won't help.

Definitions of scruple

1. noun

   an ethical or moral principle that inhibits action
   type of:

   principle

   a rule or standard especially of good behavior
2. noun

   uneasiness about the fitness of an action
   synonyms: misgiving, qualm

   type of:

   anxiety

   a vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill-defined) misfortune
3. noun

   a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains
   type of:

   apothecaries' unit, apothecaries' weight

   any weight unit used in pharmacy; an ounce is equal to 480 grains and a pound is equal to 12 ounces
4. verb

   hesitate on moral grounds
   “The man scrupled to perjure himself”

   type of:

   hesitate, pause

   interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
5. verb

   have doubts about
   type of:

   question, wonder

   place in doubt or express doubtful speculation
6. verb

   raise scruples
   “He lied and did not even scruple about it”

   type of:

   fret, fuss, niggle

   worry unnecessarily or excessively