What does disgust mean?
Disgust is both a noun and a verb describing one of the most powerful and instinctive human emotions: a strong feeling of revulsion or deep disapproval stirred up by something offensive, foul, or morally repugnant. As a noun, it names the feeling itself — 'she turned away in disgust' — while as a verb it describes causing that reaction in others: 'the conditions disgusted the inspectors.' The emotion can be triggered physically, by bad smells, tastes, or sights, but also socially and morally, as when people express disgust at corruption or cruelty. It is stronger than mere dislike and carries a tone of rejection or condemnation. Derived forms include 'disgusting', meaning repellent or offensive, and 'disgusted', describing the person who feels the reaction. Because it captures both visceral and moral responses, disgust is a versatile and expressive word in everyday speech, journalism, and formal writing alike.
A strong feeling of revulsion or profound disapproval aroused by something unpleasant or offensive.
"He could barely conceal his disgust at the squalid living conditions."
Often used in the phrase 'with disgust' following verbs such as look, speak, stare, or turn away.
To cause someone to feel strong revulsion or profound disapproval.
"The report on the factory's practices disgusted even veteran investigators."
Most frequently used in passive constructions: 'be disgusted by', 'with', or 'at' something.
Rarely used in the plural; 'disgust' is normally an uncountable mass noun. The plural appears only when referring to distinct instances or varieties of the feeling.
"The novel catalogues all the disgusts of urban life."
Disgust entered English from French in the late 16th century — a borrowed word for an emotion so universal that scientists now consider it one of the basic human emotions, complete with its own universal facial expression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disgust
Disgust entered English in the late sixteenth century, borrowed from French 'dégoût', derived from Italian 'disgusto', formed from the Latin root 'gustus' meaning 'taste'. Its literal origin — an aversion to taste — explains why the word still carries physical overtones of nausea alongside its moral sense. It shares this Latin root with words such as 'gusto', 'distaste', and 'ingest'.
Related word forms
How disgust is actually used
Disgust is a strong word; it conveys more intense revulsion than 'dislike' or 'aversion'. The verb is typically used in passive constructions ('was disgusted by/with/at'), and the noun commonly appears in the phrase 'with disgust' after verbs of looking, speaking, or reacting.
Easily confused with disgust
'Disgusting' is the adjective describing the thing that provokes revulsion, whereas 'disgust' is the noun or verb naming the feeling itself.