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

We once endured conditions far worse than today without losing our moral compass.

From The Wall Street Journal

Morgan said she understood there were "complexities and we need the United States" but added "if you don't hold on to international law you lose your moral compass".

From BBC

After two years of dating Marty, a cute roller hockey player with an unwavering moral compass, I knew I wanted to have a child with him.

From Los Angeles Times

The flash point is punctuated by the song “É Preciso Perdoar” from Cesária Évora, Caetano Veloso and Ryuichi Sakamoto, which, music supervisor Robin Urdang suggests, underscores the moral compass of the film: “It’s important to forgive.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From MarketWatch