aversion
uh-VER-zhuhn
/əˈvɜːr.ʒən/
A strong feeling of dislike, repugnance, or desire to turn away from something.
Refers to visceral, protective revulsion that motivates avoidance behavior.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'aversionem', built from 'ab-' (away) and 'vertere' (to turn). Literally, an aversion is the involuntary physical act of turning your body or head away from something unpleasant.
Word relationships
- repulsion: Repulsion focuses on physical disgust; aversion focuses on the strong urge to avoid.
- antipathy: Antipathy is usually directed toward people or ideas; aversion often applies to objects, foods, or risks.
- affinity: Affinity is a natural liking or attraction toward something.
- predilection: Predilection is a special preference or fondness.
Commonly confused with
- adversion: Adversion is an archaic term meaning turning toward; aversion means turning AWAY from.
Word family
- averse (adjective): Having a strong dislike or opposition to something.
- avert (verb): To turn away one's eyes or prevent an event.
Collocations
- aversion therapy
- risk aversion
- taste aversion
- strong aversion
Idioms & expressions
- turn one's nose up
- recoil from
Example sentences
- "Taste aversion develops rapidly if a person gets sick shortly after eating a new dish." Psychology
- "Risk aversion causes cautious investors to choose guaranteed low yields over uncertain gains." Economics
Memory hook
A-VERSION = turning to a different VERSION away from what you hate. Turn AWAY from danger.
When not to use
Do not use for mild disinterest; aversion implies active avoidance or disgust.
Fun facts
- Conditioned taste aversion (the Garcia Effect) can form after a single exposure, protecting animals from poisonous berries!
Related words
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