Pronunciation: /skruːpl/
noun a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action
A1 I have no scruple about eating meat.
A2 She has a strong moral scruple against lying.
B1 He acted without any scruple, even though it was unethical.
B2 The politician's lack of scruple was evident in his corrupt dealings.
C1 Her scruples prevented her from accepting the bribe.
C2 The lawyer had no scruples about using unethical tactics to win the case.
verb to hesitate or be reluctant to do something because of moral or ethical concerns
A1 I scruple to ask for help because I don't want to bother anyone.
A2 She scruples to eat meat because she is a vegetarian.
B1 The company scruples to cut corners when it comes to safety regulations.
B2 He scruples to cheat on exams because he believes in honesty.
C1 The politician scruples to accept bribes in exchange for favors.
C2 As a judge, she scruples to remain impartial in all her decisions.
formal He had no scruple about lying to protect his own interests.
informal She didn't have a single scruple when it came to cheating on the test.
slang I have no scruples about skipping class today.
figurative His scruples were like a heavy weight on his conscience, preventing him from doing what he knew was wrong.
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