moral compass

American  

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

noun

moral compasses plural

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.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• moral compasses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of moral compass

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

“For us, being a pacifist country wasn’t just a political label. It has been our moral compass after the tragedy,” said Yagi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

The series ran from 1993 to 2001 and followed Cordell Walker, a Texas lawman who battles crime with a black belt and strong moral compass.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 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

And the more one relies on vice signaling as a style of action and communication, the less relevant and powerful the in-group’s moral compass is as a practical constraint on anyone’s behavior.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2026

"The guiding star for my moral compass," said I, under my breath.

From Lords of the North by Laut, Agnes C. (Agnes Christina)