Aversion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aversion

[əˈvəːʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

A strong feeling of dislike or repugnance towards something or someone.

Synonyms

antipathy, dislike, hatred, repugnance.

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Word Description / Examples
aversion

Used to describe a strong feeling of not liking something or someone, often in a general sense, or because it causes a negative reaction.

  • She has an aversion to spiders
  • He has a strong aversion to public speaking
dislike

A more general and everyday term for feeling that you do not like someone or something.

  • She has a dislike for loud music
  • He openly expressed his dislike for the new proposal
hatred

A very strong word that indicates intense and deep-seated dislike, often accompanied by feelings of anger or animosity.

  • Her hatred for the man who wronged her was palpable
  • The hatred between the rival gangs was obvious
repugnance

Used to describe an intense disgust or revulsion towards something, often something that is morally or physically repulsive.

  • The idea of cruelty to animals filled her with repugnance
  • He spoke with repugnance about the corrupt practices
antipathy

Often used to describe a deep-seated and usually instinctive dislike or opposition towards something or someone.

  • There has always been a strong antipathy between the two families
  • He felt an instant antipathy towards the new policy

Examples of usage

  • She has an aversion to spiders.
  • He has an aversion to public speaking.
  • I have an aversion to seafood.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

A psychological condition in which a person has a strong dislike or fear of a particular thing or situation.

Synonyms

dislike, fear, phobia, repugnance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aversion

Use when describing a strong dislike or disinclination towards something.

  • She has a strong aversion to spicy foods
  • His aversion to pollution makes him avoid busy cities
phobia

Use when describing an irrational and intense fear of specific objects or situations.

  • Arachnophobia is a phobia of spiders
  • She has a phobia of crowded places
dislike

Use in general situations to express a mild or moderate negative feeling towards something.

  • I have a general dislike for waking up early
  • She dislikes loud music at night
fear

Use when describing a feeling of anxiety or dread caused by the presence or anticipation of danger.

  • He has a fear of heights
  • Her fear of flying prevents her from traveling overseas
repugnance

Use when describing a strong feeling of disgust or intense aversion towards something, often with a sense of moral or physical revulsion.

  • He felt a deep repugnance for the corrupt practices
  • His repugnance for violence is evident

Examples of usage

  • She developed an aversion to crowded spaces after the accident.
  • He sought therapy to overcome his aversion to heights.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People can develop aversion to certain foods due to negative experiences, such as getting sick after eating them.
  • The concept of aversion is linked to our survival instincts; we often reject what we perceive as harmful.
  • Studies show that repeated exposure to something disliked can sometimes lessen the feeling of aversion over time.

Philosophy

  • Aversion is often discussed in moral philosophy, particularly regarding our choices and the motivations behind them.
  • Some philosophical views suggest that understanding our aversions can help us achieve greater self-knowledge and growth.

Behavioral Science

  • Aversion therapy is a treatment that uses a negative stimulus to discourage unwanted behaviors, like smoking.
  • This type of therapy highlights how our aversions can be modified or conditioned through experience.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying aversions based on local customs and beliefs, impacting dietary and social practices.
  • For example, certain countries may have a strong aversion to foods like insects, while others may consider them delicacies.

Origin of 'aversion'

The word 'aversion' originated from the Latin word 'aversio', which means 'a turning away from'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe a strong feeling of dislike or repugnance. The concept of aversion is commonly studied in psychology, particularly in the context of phobias and behavioral psychology.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,051, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.