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Revolting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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revolting

[rɪˈvəʊltɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

disgusting

Causing intense disgust; disgusting.

Synonyms

abhorrent, disgusting, repulsive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
revolting

Use when describing something strongly offensive or unpleasant to the senses or emotions, often causing a feeling of nausea.

  • The smell from the trash can was absolutely revolting
  • His behavior in the meeting was revolting to everyone
disgusting

Effective when referring to something that causes a strong feeling of dislike or disapproval, often regarding taste, smell, or appearance.

  • The food tasted disgusting and I couldn't finish it
  • His rude remarks were disgusting to everyone present
repulsive

Appropriate when describing something that is so unpleasant that it pushes others away, either physically or emotionally.

  • The sight of the dirty, abandoned house was repulsive
  • His negative attitude was repulsive to his colleagues
abhorrent

Best used to describe an intense feeling of disgust and loathing, often related to morality or ethics.

  • The idea of animal cruelty is abhorrent to her
  • Such acts of violence are abhorrent in any civilized society

Examples of usage

  • The smell from the dumpster was revolting.
  • The revolting images made her feel sick to her stomach.
Context #2 | Adjective

unpleasant

Extremely unpleasant; horrifying.

Synonyms

atrocious, dreadful, horrible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
revolting

Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or disgusting, often related to smell or appearance.

  • The smell from the dumpster was absolutely revolting.
  • His behavior at the dinner table was revolting.
horrible

Describes something causing horror or shock due to its awful nature. Commonly used in everyday situations to express strong dislike.

  • That movie was horrible, I couldn't watch the whole thing.
  • She had a horrible experience at the dentist.
dreadful

Used to indicate something very bad or unpleasant, causing fear or discomfort. Suitable for a wider range of negative situations.

  • I had a dreadful headache all day.
  • The weather was dreadful, with nonstop rain and wind.
atrocious

Describes something shockingly bad or of very poor quality, often in reference to actions or conditions. It has a stronger negative connotation.

  • The crimes committed during the war were truly atrocious.
  • His handwriting is atrocious and barely readable.

Examples of usage

  • The conditions in the prison were absolutely revolting.
  • The revolting behavior of the dictator shocked the world.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that people often react strongly to unpleasant stimuli, triggering feelings of nausea or aversion.
  • Disgust is one of the basic human emotions and plays a role in our survival instinct by steering us away from harmful substances.
  • The perception of something as revolting can be influenced by personal experiences, culture, and even aroma.

Cultural Representations

  • In literature, revolting imagery is often used in horror genres to create a visceral reaction and heighten tension.
  • Certain foods or practices deemed revolting in one culture may be seen as delicacies or traditions in another, showcasing cultural relativity.
  • Art often embraces revolting elements to challenge societal norms or evoke strong emotional responses from viewers.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often features revolting challenges to entertain viewers, pushing participants to confront their discomfort.
  • Popular movies and shows sometimes use revolting scenarios for humor or shock value, engaging audiences through surprise.
  • Celebrity scandals can elicit a revolting response from the public, amplifying emotions around betrayal or deception.

Environmental Awareness

  • The term is frequently used in discussions about pollution, where revolting sights and smells highlight environmental degradation.
  • Advocacy around animal rights makes revolting images of factory farming essential for raising awareness and prompting change.
  • Documentaries showcasing waste and consumerism often evoke a strong revolting response to encourage sustainable practices.

Origin of 'revolting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin term 'revoltere,' which means 'to turn back,' hinting at the reaction it provokes.
  • The use of 'revolting' to describe something disgusting dates back to the 18th century, evolving in meaning over time.
  • In early English literature, it often conveyed a sense of strong aversion or disgust, enhancing its current connotation.

The word 'revolting' originates from the verb 'revolt', which comes from the Latin 'revolvere' meaning 'to turn back'. Over time, the word evolved to describe something so unpleasant or disgusting that it causes a strong reaction of disgust or horror.

See also: revoltingly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,218, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.