Qualm
kwɑːm
Definitions
A feeling of uneasiness, anxiety, or doubt, especially about one's own conduct; a misgiving.
kwɑːm
A feeling of doubt or misgiving about a decision or action.
She had a sudden qualm about the direction of her life.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're about to eat something new and you're not sure if it's good. That little feeling in your tummy, like you're worried, is a qualm! Like when you're about to tell a small lie and feel a little uncomfortable.
👶 For kids: It's like a little worried feeling inside you, like you're not sure if something is right or wrong.
More Examples
He expressed a qualm about the potential consequences of his actions.
Despite her doubts, she decided to ignore her qualms and proceed with the plan.
How It's Used
"She had a qualm about accepting the job offer without knowing the salary."
"He experienced a moral qualm about profiting from the suffering of others."
"The lawyer had a qualm about the ethics of his client's actions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
have qualms about
To feel doubt or uncertainty about something, especially concerning whether it is morally right.
"I have serious qualms about the ethical implications of this project."
without qualm
To do something without hesitation or doubt.
"He executed the plan without qualm."
From Middle English *cwalm* meaning 'pang of conscience', from Old English *cw(e)alm* meaning 'death, plague, torment'.
Used in earlier texts to denote a sudden feeling of sickness or faintness.
Memory tip
Think of it as a 'cold arm' - a feeling that makes you hesitate.
Word Origin
"pain, torment, death"