aversion
noun (countable)
UK/əˈvɜː.ʒən/US/əˈvɝː.ʒən/
A strong feeling of dislike or unwillingness; a sense of repugnance or distaste.
Example Sentences
She has a strong aversion to spicy foods and avoids them at all costs.
His aversion to large crowds makes him uncomfortable at concerts or festivals.
They tried to overcome their child’s aversion to vegetables by preparing more flavorful dishes.
Even though he enjoys outdoor activities, he has a notable aversion to insects.
The organization recognized some employees' aversion to change and addressed their concerns with transparent communication and practical support.
Due to her aversion to conflict, she often avoids difficult discussions until a situation becomes critical, which sometimes leads to bigger problems later.
His deep aversion to public speaking stems from an embarrassing experience during his teenage years, causing him considerable anxiety even before small presentations.
In attempting to reduce her aversion to exercise, she started with brief, low-intensity workouts, gradually increasing both the duration and difficulty level to build confidence and motivation.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A pronounced sense of distaste or avoidance driven by discomfort or negative feelings.“Aversion” generally indicates a deep-rooted dislike or repulsion, prompting someone to steer clear of the thing they find undesirable—be it a food, a concept, or a situation. If you say, “I have an aversion to spiders,” it means they strongly unsettle or repel you. People often develop aversions based on negative experiences or inherent sensitivities—like a powerful aversion to crowds, prompting them to avoid large gatherings. In psychology, aversion may also relate to learned behaviors—like becoming averse to a certain flavor after getting sick once. Often, an aversion can result in active strategies to dodge the offending element, from mild reluctance to outright fear or disgust, depending on intensity.
Alternatives
Synonyms and near-synonyms for “aversion” include “dislike,” “distaste,” or “loathing,” each highlighting dislike but with different degrees of intensity. “Repulsion” or “abhorrence” connotes a stronger, more visceral sense of revulsion, while “antipathy” suggests a deep-seated, possibly unexplainable hostility. These choices help emphasize how intense or mild the aversion is: from mild discomfort to vehement opposition. “Avoidance” focuses on the behavioral tendency to steer clear. Ultimately, “aversion” remains a succinct term combining both the feeling of strong dislike and the inclination to avoid it.
Writing
When writing about aversion, specify what triggers it and the resulting behavior or emotion. For instance, “She developed a lasting aversion to seafood after a bout of food poisoning,” or “The public’s aversion to risk led to cautious investment strategies.” In formal or academic contexts—like psychology or consumer behavior—mention what causes this repulsion (conditioned response, personal experiences) and how it manifests (refusing certain foods, shifting lifestyle choices). Adding context—like cultural influences or personal backstories—helps readers grasp why an aversion arises and its impact on decisions. The nature of the aversion—mild avoidance or intense dread—can also shape the narrative or argument you’re constructing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “aversion” might pop up when someone reveals a strong dislike—“I’ve always had an aversion to horror movies,” or “He has an aversion to flying.” Friends sometimes laugh off small quirks, like “She has a real aversion to pineapple on pizza,” but other times it’s more serious—like avoiding certain social situations. If you mention having an aversion, people typically understand you’re not just casually disliking something; you genuinely want to steer clear of it. For lighter chat, synonyms like “I really can’t stand it” or “I hate that” might replace “aversion,” but using “aversion” suggests a deeper or more ingrained reaction. Often, aversions can become conversation points—like tips for overcoming them if they’re interfering with life, or comedic anecdotes about bizarre triggers for avoidance. In any case, describing something as an “aversion” clarifies it’s no minor pet peeve; you’re truly put off, whether by taste, memory, or an unpleasant association.
Etymology
“Aversion” derives from the Latin “aversio,” combining “ab-” (away) with “vertere” (to turn). Literally, it implies “turning away from” an object or situation. In Roman usage, it captured that sense of backing off or distancing oneself from something disagreeable or harmful. Over time, passing through Old French and into Middle English, “aversion” kept this notion of retreating in disgust or reluctance. Today, it stands for a strong drive to avoid something—whether due to discomfort, learned negativity, or deep-seated personal feelings.