scruple meaning

scruple as a noun

1. a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains

   Type of: apothecaries' unit

2. uneasiness about the fitness of an action

   Synonyms: qualm, misgiving

   Type of: anxiety

   Related forms: scrupulous

3. an ethical or moral principle that inhibits action

   Type of: principle

   Related forms: scrupulous

scruple as a verb

1. hesitate on moral grounds
   • The man scrupled to perjure himself

   Type of: hesitate

2. raise scruples
   • He lied and did not even scruple about it

   Type of: fuss

3. have doubts about

   Type of: wonder

How to pronounce scruple

scruple is pronounced /ˈskrupəl/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.

Words that rhyme with scruple

• pupil
• quadruple