revulsion

noun

re·​vul·​sion ri-ˈvəl-shən 

1

: a strong pulling or drawing away : withdrawal

2

a

: a sudden or strong reaction or change

b

: a sense of utter distaste or repugnance

revulsive

ri-ˈvəl-siv 

adjective

Synonyms

• aversion
• disgust
• distaste
• horror
• loathing
• nausea
• repugnance
• repulsion

Examples of revulsion in a Sentence

She was struck with revulsion at the sight of the dead animal.

a growing revulsion to war

Recent Examples on the Web

Given teenage revulsion if not denial at the thought of aging, this might be the scariest moment in the entire series. —Bruce Handy, Vulture, 20 May 2025

The recognition of their similarity seems to breed revulsion, not solidarity. —Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025

They’re made to live as subjects of revulsion by day and secret objects of desire by night, all while risking sudden turns toward brutality born from vulnerable self-loathing. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 May 2025

Racial attitudes among Dixon’s Disciples in the 1920s varied widely between a paternal tolerance of blacks (in tune with the founding beliefs of the church) to Ku Klux Klan-like racist revulsion that was widespread in its day. —Richard D. Mahoney, JSTOR Daily, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin revulsion-, revulsio act of tearing away, from revellere to pluck away, from re- + vellere to pluck — more at vulnerable

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for revulsion

• avulsion
• compulsion
• convulsion
• emulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• propulsion
• repulsion
• microemulsion

Kids Definition

revulsion

noun

re·​vul·​sion ri-ˈvəl-shən 

1

: a strong pulling or drawing away : withdrawal

2

a

: a sudden or strong reaction or change

b

: a sense of complete dislike

revulsive

-ˈvəl-siv 

adjective

Medical Definition

revulsion

noun

re·​vul·​sion ri-ˈvəl-shən 

: alleviation of a localized disease by treatment (as with counterirritants) of an adjacent region