Use of “conscience” as verb

I’ve heard conscience used as a verb, in the phrase can’t conscience. For example,

I can’t conscience taking credit for what I didn’t do.

Is this use of conscience correct? From a Google search it appears this phrase is actively used, but I can’t find it in the OED or other dictionaries.


I believe you are encountering misuse of the word conscience by people who have an imperfect memory of a phrase such as “I can’t countenance” or “I can’t condone”.

coun·te·nance /ˈkountn-əns/ Verb: Admit as acceptable or possible. (Google)

con·done /kənˈdōn/ Verb: Accept and allow (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive) to continue. Approve or sanction (something), esp. with reluctance. (Google)


Conscience is not a verb. It is a noun; ergo it should be treated as such. That usage of conscience is incorrect.