What does repugnance mean?
Repugnance is a formal noun for intense disgust, aversion, or moral outrage. It describes a reaction more forceful than simple dislike and often conveys a sense of opposition to something regarded as cruel, indecent, unjust, or fundamentally offensive. The word may describe a person's emotional response, as in “She faced the cruelty with repugnance,” or the reaction provoked by conduct, institutions, or ideas. Because it carries strong ethical and emotional force, repugnance is especially useful in journalism, formal argument, literary criticism, and historical or political discussion. It should generally be reserved for genuinely serious matters: using it for a minor irritation makes the expression sound exaggerated or overly formal. In ordinary conversation, words such as “disgust,” “loathing,” and “abhorrence” are more frequent, though repugnance often conveys a more elevated and morally charged form of revulsion.
nounIntense disgust or moral outrage caused by something regarded as offensive, objectionable, or morally wrong.
- Intense disgust or aversion, especially toward something considered morally offensive, cruel, obscene, or deeply distasteful.
"She viewed the exploitation of vulnerable workers with undisguised repugnance."
"The proposal prompted widespread repugnance among members of the community."
"He spoke of the policy with quiet but unmistakable repugnance."
Plural forms are uncommon because the word usually appears in the singular in abstract or mass-like usage.
"The testimony expressed the repugnances of the reforming movement."
Repugnance combines moral outrage with physical disgust, making it one of English's strongest words for describing profound revulsion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repugnance come from?
Repugnance entered English from French répugnance, which was derived from Latin repugnantia. The Latin word came from repugnare, meaning “to resist” or “to oppose,” formed from re- and pugnare, “to fight.” Its modern sense developed through the related English adjective repugnant, whose earliest uses expressed active opposition or resistance before the sense of abhorrent disgust became established.
Related word forms
How repugnance is actually used
The word is formal and strongly emphatic. It is especially suited to moral outrage or profound disgust, rather than ordinary or mild dislike.
Easily confused with repugnance
Repugnance is the noun naming an intense feeling of disgust, whereas repugnant is the adjective describing something that causes such disgust.