scruple

• Sustantivo que designa una duda o inquietud moral que impide actuar, o un sentimiento de reparo ante una acción que se considera incorrecta; también, una antigua unidad de peso usada en farmacia.

A noun referring to a moral or ethical principle that causes hesitation or uneasiness about the rightness of an action, or a small unit of weight used in pharmacy.

1. Apothecary weight unitC2formal

   A unit of weight used in pharmacy, equal to 20 grains or approximately 1.296 grams.

   Escrópulo (unidad de peso)

   • The prescription called for two scruples of quinine.
   • Apothecaries historically measured ingredients in scruples.
   • One scruple is equivalent to twenty grains.

2. Moral uneasinessB2formal

   A feeling of doubt or hesitation about the rightness or appropriateness of an action.

   escrúpulo

   • He had no scruples about lying to get the job.
   • She felt a scruple of guilt after taking the last cookie.
   • The politician acted without scruple, ignoring ethical concerns.

   Sinónimoscompunctiondoubthesitationmisgivingpangqualmreluctancereservationtwinge

3. Ethical principleB2formal

   A moral or ethical standard that prevents someone from doing something considered wrong.

   Escrúpulo (principio ético)

   • Her religious scruples prevented her from working on Sundays.
   • He had scruples about accepting such a large gift.
   • The lawyer's scruples made her refuse the unethical case.

   Sinónimosethicmoralprinciplestandardvalue

   Antónimoslicense

• Verbo que significa dudar o vacilar en hacer algo por razones morales o éticas; sentir escrúpulos o remordimiento de conciencia ante una acción.

An archaic verb meaning to hesitate or be reluctant to do something due to moral or ethical doubts.

1. Hesitate on moral groundsC1formal

   To pause or feel reluctant to do something because of moral or ethical concerns.

   Dudar por escrúpulos

   • He did not scruple to lie when it suited his purpose.
   • She scrupled to accept the gift, fearing it was a bribe.
   • They scrupled at the idea of using such harsh methods.

   Sinónimosbalkdemurhesitatequailrecoilshrinkwaver

   Antónimosdecidedetermineresolve

2. Raise scruplesC1formal

   To express or have doubts about the rightness or propriety of an action.

   Plantear escrúpulos

   • The lawyer scrupled about the legality of the contract.
   • He scrupled at the thought of breaking his promise.
   • She scrupled to join the project due to ethical concerns.

   Sinónimosbalkdemurhesitatewaver

   Antónimosacquiesceagreeconsent

3. Have doubts aboutC1formal

   To be uncertain or skeptical about something, especially its morality or correctness.

   tener escrúpulos

   • I scruple to believe that he is entirely innocent.
   • They scrupled whether the decision was truly fair.
   • She scrupled not to question the authority of the committee.

   Sinónimosbalkdemurdoubthesitatequestionwaver

   Antónimosacceptapprovebelievetrust