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

"Navi Pillay's commitment to universal legal principles and her firm moral compass are constants in a long career," he said.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

The more Mary affords grace to others, the more she gains confidence in who she is, as a person with a strong moral compass forged away from her mother’s ambitions.

From Salon ● Jun. 25, 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 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

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

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