1
: causing you to feel sick
a sickening [=nauseating] odor/stench
We had reached a sickening [=dizzying] height.
2
: causing a strong feeling of disgust
a sickening display of selfishness
sickening cruelty
3
of a sound
: causing great concern especially because someone or something may have been badly harmed
We heard the squeal of brakes and a sickening thud/crash.
Cite this Entry
“Sickening.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sickening. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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