Nausea: meaning, definitions and examples

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nausea

 

[ˈnɔːziə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of sickness

Nausea is the unpleasant, queasy feeling in the stomach that often comes before vomiting. It can be caused by various factors such as motion sickness, food poisoning, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions.

Synonyms

queasiness, sickness, uneasiness.

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Word Description / Examples
nausea

The general term for the feeling of wanting to vomit, often used in medical contexts.

  • She felt a wave of nausea after the boat ride
queasiness

Mild discomfort or feeling slightly ill, often used for less severe situations.

  • He experienced some queasiness from the turbulence during the flight
sickness

A broader term for feeling unwell, can indicate nausea but also other ailments. It can suggest a more serious condition.

  • She took a day off work due to sickness
uneasiness

A feeling of discomfort or anxiety, not specifically related to physical illness. It's mostly used to describe emotional or psychological discomfort.

  • There was a sense of uneasiness in the room after the argument

Examples of usage

  • I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as the roller coaster sped up.
  • The smell of rotten eggs triggered a sudden bout of nausea.
  • She experienced nausea and dizziness after taking the medication.
Context #2 | Noun

disgust or repulsion

Nausea can also refer to a feeling of disgust or repulsion towards something. It is often used in a metaphorical sense to describe intense aversion or revulsion.

Synonyms

disgust, repulsion, revulsion.

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Word Description / Examples
nausea

Nausea describes a sensation of sickness and the desire to vomit. It is commonly used in medical or informal contexts when someone feels physically ill, especially in relation to food, smells, or motion sickness.

  • She felt nausea after eating the spoiled food
  • The constant motion of the boat caused his nausea
disgust

Disgust refers to a strong feeling of dislike or gross-out reaction to something unpleasant or offensive. It is used in both literal and figurative contexts when reacting to tastes, sights, behaviors, or moral issues.

  • He felt disgust upon seeing the dirty restroom
  • The politician's corruption was a source of public disgust
revulsion

Revulsion is a very strong feeling of disgust or dislike, often leading to a desire to avoid the source. It is usually employed in more serious or intense contexts and conveys a deep-seated feeling of turning away.

  • He felt revulsion at the smell of spoiled meat
  • Her sudden act of betrayal was met with revulsion by her friends
repulsion

Repulsion refers to a powerful feeling of extreme distaste or disgust, often causing one to back away. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts and usually carries a more intense connotation than 'disgust'.

  • The sight of the decayed animal filled him with repulsion
  • She felt a strong sense of repulsion towards his aggressive behavior

Examples of usage

  • The corruption in the government filled him with a deep sense of nausea.
  • The brutality of the war evoked a feeling of nausea in the public.
  • His actions towards the innocent victims were met with widespread nausea.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'nausea' comes from the Greek word 'nausia,' which means 'sea sickness.'
  • It was used in English since the 14th century, originally relating to a feeling of seasickness.
  • The term reflects ancient people's experiences with ships, where the rocking motion often caused discomfort.

Medical Perspectives

  • Nausea can result from various causes including motion sickness, pregnancy, and certain medications.
  • It activates the brain’s vomiting center, often a protective response to perceived toxins.
  • In severe instances, persistent nausea may indicate more serious health issues requiring medical attention.

Psychology

  • Emotional factors, such as anxiety and stress, can contribute to feelings of nausea.
  • The mind-gut connection shows how psychological distress can manifest as physical sensations in the stomach.
  • Coping techniques like deep breathing can sometimes alleviate nausea linked to anxiety.

Cultural References

  • In literature, nausea often symbolizes existential dread, as illustrated in the works of philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre.
  • Many cultures have traditional remedies for nausea, reflecting historical experiences with this uncomfortable feeling.
  • Film and art frequently use visual symbolism to represent nausea, connecting it to feelings of disorientation or loss of control.

Diet and Nutrition

  • Ginger is widely recognized for its ability to reduce nausea, particularly for people undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Cold foods are often recommended since they have milder scents, which can help ease feelings of nausea.
  • Staying hydrated and eating small, bland meals can help manage nausea.

Translations

Translations of the word "nausea" in other languages:

🇵🇹 náusea

🇮🇳 मतली

🇩🇪 Übelkeit

🇮🇩 mual

🇺🇦 нудота

🇵🇱 nudności

🇯🇵 吐き気 (はきけ)

🇫🇷 nausée

🇪🇸 náusea

🇹🇷 bulantı

🇰🇷 구역질

🇸🇦 غثيان

🇨🇿 nevolnost

🇸🇰 nevoľnosť

🇨🇳 恶心 (ě xīn)

🇸🇮 slabost

🇮🇸 ógleði

🇰🇿 жүрек айну

🇬🇪 გულისრევა

🇦🇿 ürəkbulanma

🇲🇽 náusea

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,399 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.