scruple

• Nom désignant un scrupule moral ou éthique, c'est-à-dire une hésitation ou un sentiment de gêne quant à la justesse d'une action, ou encore une petite unité de poids utilisée en pharmacie.

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.

   Scrupule (unité de masse pharmaceutique)

   • 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.

   Scrupule (sentiment d'inquiétude morale)

   • 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.

   Synonymescompunctiondoubthesitationmisgivingpangqualmreluctancereservationtwinge

3. Ethical principleB2formal

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

   scrupule (moral)

   • 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.

   Synonymesethicmoralprinciplestandardvalue

   Antonymeslicense

• Verbe vieilli ou littéraire signifiant hésiter ou refuser de faire quelque chose par scrupule, c'est-à-dire par doute moral ou éthique, ou par conscience. Il peut aussi signifier se faire un scrupule de, éprouver des réticences.

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.

   Hésiter par scrupule

   • 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.

   Synonymesbalkdemurhesitatequailrecoilshrinkwaver

   Antonymesdecidedetermineresolve

2. Raise scruplesC1formal

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

   Éprouver des scrupules

   • 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.

   Synonymesbalkdemurhesitatewaver

   Antonymesacquiesceagreeconsent

3. Have doubts aboutC1formal

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

   Avoir des scrupules

   • 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.

   Synonymesbalkdemurdoubthesitatequestionwaver

   Antonymesacceptapprovebelievetrust