Nauseating: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe something that causes a feeling of nausea or makes someone feel like they need to vomit.

• The smell of the spoiled milk was nauseating

Describes something that is so unpleasant it makes someone feel physically ill. Can also be used metaphorically about something morally offensive.

• The violence in the movie was sickening

Typically applied to things that are shocking and deeply offensive, causing a strong sense of disgust. Often has a slightly more dramatic and intense feeling than 'repulsive'.

• Finding a hair in my soup was revolting

Used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant or makes someone feel intense disgust.

• The sight of the rotting food was repulsive

When something makes you feel like you want to vomit; can refer to strong bad smells or visuals.

• The smell of the spoiled milk was nauseating.
• Watching the gory scenes in the movie was nauseating.

Used for things that are extremely unpleasant or unacceptable, often inducing a feeling of strong dislike or moral offense.

• The state of the public restroom was disgusting.
• His behavior at the dinner table was disgusting.

When something causes someone to feel hurt, angry, or upset, often because it is rude or disrespectful.

• The comedian's joke was offensive to many people.
• Using that language in public is offensive.

Used to describe something that is extremely distasteful, often at a moral level, and is strongly incompatible with one's values or principles.

• The idea of animal cruelty is repugnant to her.
• The corrupt practices of the company were repugnant.