scruples

[ skroo-puhlz ]

noun

the plural of scruple; moral or ethical considerations or standards that act as a restraining force or inhibit certain actions: He has no scruples about sacrificing a friend to save his own hide.The shop was without scruples about using the competition's advertisements against them.Her scruples about drinking assuaged, she decided to order some wine.

Origin of scruples

First recorded in 1520–30; scruple + -s³

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Mengele has neither doubts about his hideous purpose or scruples about his heinous past.
Holocaust Horrors Haunt the Films ‘Ida’ And ‘The German Doctor’ | Jack Schwartz | May 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Had it been anybody but Tessie I should not have bothered my head about scruples.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show | Robert W. Chambers | February 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Professor Dave Jennings, a disenchanted English teacher played by Donald Sutherland, has far less scruples.
Hollywood's Best Worst Teachers | Marlow Stern | June 24, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
I like you the better, Mr Allcraft, for your scruples: you are an honourable man, sir.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV. | Various
Baroudi was as totally devoid of ordinary scruples as the average well-bred Englishman is full of them.
Bella Donna | Robert Hichens

He was upright, honorable, and virtuous; entertaining religious scruples similar to the Friends.
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States | Martin R. Delany
His master may be a man of some conscientious scruples; ours may be unmerciful.
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States | Martin R. Delany
"Yes," I answered, trying to quiet the scruples which this way of living awoke in me from time to time.
Camille (La Dame aux Camilias) | Alexandre Dumas, fils

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