moral compass

American  

[mawr-uhl kuhm-puhs, mor‐] / ˈmɔr əl ˈkʌm pəs, ˈmɒr‐ /

noun

1. an internalized set of values and objectives that guide a person with regard to ethical behavior and decision-making.

   a rebellious teenager without a moral compass.

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Etymology

Origin of moral compass

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

“The public narrative that has emerged could not be further from the woman I know,” wrote one friend, who described Sangha as having a strong moral compass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

I feel like they deserve each other and like they’re the two with the most well-rounded moral compass.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

Judge John Dodd KC told Wood Green Crown Court that Chan was a "perverse and depraved" man who had "clearly lost all sense of moral compass".

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

First of all, I wish some of my previous landlords had your moral compass.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

Here Mr Chevy Slyme, whose great abilities seemed one and all to point towards the sneaking quarter of the moral compass, nudged his friend stealthily with his elbow, and whispered in his ear.

From Martin Chuzzlewit by Dickens, Charles