repugnance

3 8.4

A strong feeling of dislike or disgust

noun
/rɪˈpʌɡnəns/

: repugnancia

Treadwell's reaction was that of a man accosted by a deranged beggar—repugnance mingled with demeaning sympathy.

And and they said that word with as much of an air of repugnance as you could do, saying they don't care what we put out if it's going to sell a lot.

Examples

All stared at him with complete repugnance, open-mouthed.

Fiction book (1999)
I have expressed my repugnance for the circumstances surrounding this transaction. Do not expect any help from me.

Fiction book (1991)
We followed events with mounting repugnance and alarm.

Academic text (1998)
Do you feel a kind of repugnance when being asked to make distinctions?
I felt a physical repugnance for the man but had to admit he was always cordial and courteous.

Fiction book (1997)
Lady Sibyl gazes at him for a moment with repugnance, then draws nearer and scans his face intently—a long gaze.

Fiction book (1998)
Many people feel a deep repugnance towards polluting the environment.
His repugnance for dishonesty made it hard for him to trust others.
She expressed her repugnance at the thought of animal cruelty.

Synonyms

hatred

vsrepugnance

394 1.9

A very strong dislike that can make a person want to hurt others

is about intense negative feeling but not necessarily violent intent

disgust

vsrepugnance

87 2.0

A strong feeling of dislike and being sick because something is offensive

is broader, covering both this reaction and strong dislike feelings

dislike

vsrepugnance

Texting

49 1.0

A feeling of not liking someone or something

is a far stronger emotion, often mixed with physical disgust

loathing

vsrepugnance

48 5.2

A strong feeling of hatred and disgust for someone or something

focuses more on strong negative feeling without always implying hatred

aversion

vsrepugnance

31 6.5

A strong dislike of something or someone

is stronger and often includes a feeling of disgust as well

distaste

vsrepugnance

28 4.1

A mild feeling of not liking something

is much stronger and often includes a feeling of nausea

revulsion

vsrepugnance

18 6.3

A strong feeling of disgust at something very unpleasant

covers that sickened reaction but also plain strong dislike

antipathy

vsrepugnance

11 8.3

A strong feeling of dislike toward someone or something

is usually sharper, stronger, and may include disgust

abhorrence

vsrepugnance

2 7.8

A very strong feeling of hate and disgust

is similar but can be less focused on moral horror

detestation

vsrepugnance

1 8.6

A very strong feeling of hate and disgust for someone or something

is the general feeling that can be extreme or simply strong dislike

repugnancy

vsrepugnance

9.1

A strong feeling of disgust or deep dislike

is the general term for intense dislike combined with disgust

Antonyms

affection

317 1.4

A gentle warm feeling for a person, animal, or thing

liking

1 1.0

A feeling of pleasure for a person or thing

How Disgusted

loathing

48 5.2

repugnance

3 8.4

aversion

31 6.5

distaste

28 4.1

dislike

Texting

49 1.0

Surface Forms

repugnance singular

repugnances plural

Morphology

repugnance = repugnant (opaque) = re + pugn + ance

For learners who know 'repugnant', 'repugnance' is partly inferable as a related abstract noun, but the form change and slight shift from quality to felt aversion reduce transparency.

Etymology

Repugnance comes from Latin parts re- ('against') and pugn ('fight'). It is like your feelings 'fight against' something, which is why repugnance means a strong dislike or disgust.