What Does “Aversion” Mean?
The term aversion is a noun that refers to an intense feeling of dislike, repugnance, or distaste for someone or something.
In everyday English, if you have an aversion to something, it means you naturally avoid or reject it because it feels unpleasant or disagreeable.
Example:
- He developed an aversion to spicy food after getting sick once.
- Many people have an aversion to insects.
Pronunciation and Part of Speech
- British English: /əˈvɜːʃən/
- American English: /əˈvɜːrʒən/ or /əˈvɜːrʃən/
- Part of Speech: Noun
Word Forms: aversion, aversions
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms: dislike, hatred, antipathy, repugnance, distaste, loathing, revulsion
Antonyms: attraction, affection, fondness, preference
These synonyms differ slightly in strength. For example, loathing suggests stronger disgust, while distaste implies mild discomfort.
Examples of “Aversion” in Sentences
- She has a strong aversion to crowded places.
- Investors often show risk aversion during uncertain times.
- His aversion to failure motivates him to work harder.
- I’ve always had an aversion to cold weather.
- The child’s aversion to vegetables made mealtime a challenge.
Common Collocations
- risk aversion → reluctance to take financial or business risks
- loss aversion → tendency to prefer avoiding losses rather than acquiring gains
- aversion therapy → psychological treatment aimed at reducing unwanted behaviors through conditioning
Word Origin
The word aversion comes from Latin aversio, from avertō (“to turn away”).
Originally, it described the act of turning away, and over time evolved to mean emotional repulsion or avoidance.
Usage Notes
- Often used with to → “an aversion to something.”
- Can describe personal dislikes (an aversion to coffee) or abstract attitudes (an aversion to change).
- In psychology, “aversion” can refer to conditioned avoidance behavior.
In Summary
To define aversion is to describe a deep, instinctive dislike or avoidance of something unpleasant.
Whether emotional (aversion to spiders), behavioral (risk aversion), or psychological (aversion therapy), the word conveys a strong sense of turning away — both literally and figuratively.
