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 Europeans were perceived to have high respect for international law and a strong moral compass, so it was like getting the international stamp of approval. So we actually cared for that legitimacy,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

"They were on the pedestal, they were the moral compass. The family kind of didn't have a moral compass on its own, they only only looked at right and wrong based on what the workers said. Right and wrong wasn't about what your heart or soul said."

From BBC

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

"I was proud to be working at a company with a moral compass. I'm not proud anymore," he said.

From BBC