First Known Use: circa 1530
Dictionary
qualm
noun \ˈkwäm also ˈkwȯm or ˈkwälm\
: a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about whether you are doing the right thing
Full Definition of QUALM
1
: a sudden attack of illness, faintness, or nausea
2
: a sudden access of usually disturbing emotion (as doubt or fear)
3
: a feeling of uneasiness about a point especially of conscience or propriety
— qualmy adjective
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Origin of QUALM
origin unknown
Related to QUALM
- Synonyms
- compunction, misgiving, scruple
Synonym Discussion of QUALM
qualm, scruple, compunction, demur mean a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do. qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment <no qualms about plagiarizing>. scruple implies doubt of the rightness of an act on grounds of principle <no scruples against buying stolen goods>. compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim <had compunctions about lying>. demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence <accepted her decision without demur>.
QUALM Defined for Kids
qualm
noun \ˈkwäm, ˈkwälm\
Definition of QUALM for Kids
: a feeling of doubt or uncertainty especially in matters of right and wrong <She had no qualms about lying.>
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