Nauseous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤢
Add to dictionary

nauseous

[ˈnɔːsɪəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling sick or queasy

Feeling nauseous is often accompanied by a sensation of dizziness and a strong urge to vomit. It can be caused by various factors such as food poisoning, motion sickness, or a virus.

Synonyms

queasy, sick, unwell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
nauseous

Feeling the urge to vomit or experiencing dizziness, but it can also describe something that causes nausea.

  • After the long bus ride, I felt nauseous.
  • The smell of the rotten food was nauseous.
sick

General feeling of illness, can be used for minor and serious conditions, often includes the feeling of wanting to vomit.

  • I've been feeling sick all day.
  • He called in sick to work.
queasy

Feeling slightly sick, often with a mild stomach ache or discomfort, usually from motion or anxiety.

  • The boat ride made her feel queasy.
  • He felt queasy before his big exam.
unwell

Polite way to describe feeling ill or not in good health, generally used in a more formal context.

  • She has been unwell for weeks.
  • I’m feeling a bit unwell today.

Examples of usage

  • I started feeling nauseous after eating that expired yogurt.
  • The rocking motion of the boat made me feel nauseous.
Context #2 | Adjective

causing a feeling of sickness or disgust

Something that is nauseous can trigger a physical reaction of discomfort or revulsion. It is often associated with unpleasant smells or tastes.

Synonyms

disgusting, repulsive, revolting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
nauseous

Typically used to describe the feeling of needing to vomit or when something makes you feel like vomiting.

  • After eating the spoiled food, I felt nauseous
  • The smell of the garbage made me nauseous
disgusting

Used to describe something that evokes a strong, unpleasant reaction because it is gross or offensive.

  • The state of the public restroom was disgusting
  • The taste of the expired milk was disgusting
repulsive

Refers to something that causes a feeling of intense aversion or disgust, often on a physical or moral level.

  • His repulsive behavior at the party shocked everyone
  • The sight of the decaying food was repulsive
revolting

Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or offensive, often stronger than 'disgusting.'

  • The revolting smell coming from the sewer was unbearable
  • His revolting comments about the poor were unacceptable

Examples of usage

  • The smell of rotten eggs is so nauseous.
  • The movie was so nauseous that I had to leave the theater.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medical Understanding

  • Nausea can be a symptom of many conditions, including motion sickness, pregnancy, or as a reaction to certain medications.
  • The brain processes signals related to nausea from various body systems, particularly the gastrointestinal tract and vestibular system.

Cultural References

  • In films and literature, characters often experience nausea as a dramatic device, heightening tension in dangerous or suspenseful situations.
  • The term 'nauseous' is frequently depicted in pop culture when discussing unpleasant eating experiences or extreme roller coaster rides.

Psychology

  • Feeling nauseous can also be linked to anxiety or stress; the mind can trigger physical symptoms in the body.
  • Certain smells or sights can provoke nausea, demonstrating the close connection between senses and emotional responses.

Environmental Causes

  • Strong odors, food poisoning, and even changes in weather can lead to feelings of nausea in some individuals.
  • Traveling to new places can sometimes bring on nausea, often due to unfamiliar foods or the body's reaction to different altitudes.

Origin of 'nauseous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'nauseous' comes from the Greek word 'naus', meaning 'ship', connected to the sickness felt on the sea.
  • In the 16th century, it began to be used in English to describe feelings of sickness like those experienced while traveling on a bumpy boat.

The word 'nauseous' originated from the Latin word 'nausea', which means seasickness. Over time, it evolved to describe the feeling of sickness or disgust. The term has been used in English since the 17th century.


See also: nauseate, nauseating.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,496, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.