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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• moral compasses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of moral compass

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

moral compass

His middle name is an ode to Huckleberry Finn — sharp wit, kind heart, strong moral compass — all the attributes he’s imparted on us in spirit,” said Saleh, 45.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026

"Martian was once idealistic and full of hope, then his moral compass gets eroded by the things he has to do and the sacrifices that go into it."

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026

“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 ● Mar. 3, 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 needle in the moral compass is deflected by selfishness or false teaching.

From The Ascent of the Soul by Amory H. Bradford