Scruple

/ˈskruː.pəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action.

She had no scruples about lying to get what she wanted.

A very small amount; a bit.

He didn't have a scruple of doubt that he would succeed.

verb

To hesitate or be reluctant to do something because of ethics or principles.

He scrupled at the idea of betraying his friend.

From Latin 'scrupulus', meaning 'small stone' or 'uneasiness'.

have scruples

to have moral or ethical doubts about something.

not a scruple

to act without any moral hesitation.

qualm

an uneasy feeling of uncertainty about whether one is doing the right thing.

conscience

an inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's behavior.

Having no scruples

He's so ruthless, he has no scruples.

In a scrupulous manner

She handles her business with scruples; integrity is important to her.