moral compass

[ mawr-uhl kuhm-puhs, mor‐ ]

noun

1. an internalized set of values and objectives that guide a person with regard to ethical behavior and decision-making:

   a rebellious teenager without a moral compass.

Word History and Origins

Origin of moral compass¹

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

In a Facebook post from the academy, Mr Tindal-Draper was described as a "passionate, articulate and bright student" who had a strong moral compass.

From BBC

Guided by his own moral compass, Kuhn stopped me because he could, and by doing this, he stole from me the first World Series reporting opportunity I’d had, and one that I’d worked hard for two seasons to attain.

From Los Angeles Times

"Our concern is you have to take the facts with the moral compass and understand that these issues are so sensitive that you can't just get into biology, legality, right, wrong."

From BBC

Expecting anyone to live according to a moral compass is foolhardy.

From Los Angeles Times

The journalist said he inherited his strong moral compass, including a deep-seated sense of equality, from his father, who was once was once assaulted by members of the Ku Klux Klan in North Carolina.

From Los Angeles Times