revulsion

noun

re·​vul·​sion ri-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce revulsion (audio)
Synonyms of revulsionnext
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
felt revulsion at the sight of such wanton destruction
revulsive
ri-ˈvəl-siv How to pronounce revulsion (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of revulsion

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The post was met with a tidal wave of slurs and revulsion towards the visa program. — Ashwin Rodrigues, Wired News, 16 Apr. 2026 For many Israelis, the bus station occupies a space that balances between nostalgia and revulsion. — Theia Chatelle, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026 Watching Jackie read her profoundly scary tale, my reaction moved from curiosity to revulsion to fear… not of her, but of Michael. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2026 But now many of those same factions are expressing open revulsion at the Iran war, rupturing relationships that were supposed to usher in a new international order. — ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for revulsion

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of revulsion was in 1609

Rhymes for revulsion

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Browse Nearby Words

revulsed
revulsion
revulsionary
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Cite this Entry

“Revulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revulsion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

revulsion

noun
re·​vul·​sion ri-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce revulsion (audio)
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 How to pronounce revulsion (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

revulsion

noun
re·​vul·​sion ri-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce revulsion (audio)
: alleviation of a localized disease by treatment (as with counterirritants) of an adjacent region

More from Merriam-Webster on revulsion

Nglish: Translation of revulsion for Spanish Speakers

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