What does repugnant mean?
Repugnant is a strong adjective for something that causes intense disgust, outrage, or moral condemnation. Its dominant modern sense is ethical: conduct, attitudes, institutions, or practices described as repugnant are considered profoundly offensive or incompatible with ordinary moral standards. It can also describe something physically loathsome, such as a smell, condition, or substance that provokes disgust. Because “repugnant” is emphatic and often judgment-laden, it is especially common in formal debate, journalism, legal and political argument, and expressions of condemnation. Less forceful words such as “distasteful” or “offensive” may be more appropriate in neutral contexts. The word derives from a Latin expression associated with resistance and opposition, reflecting the idea of something against which one feels a powerful revulsion. Its combination of moral seriousness and emotional force makes it especially useful when describing conduct that warrants a strong, unambiguous expression of disapproval.
Extremely offensive or objectionable, especially because of its moral character.
"The newspaper described the exploitation of the workers as repugnant."
This is the word's dominant modern sense and is especially common in formal moral condemnation.
So loathsome or distasteful as to cause disgust.
"The cellar was filled with a repugnant smell of spoiled food."
This physical sense is less common than the moral sense and often describes smells, substances, or conditions.
Repugnant comes from Latin repugnare, meaning “to fight against,” so its strongest sense is that which one morally feels compelled to oppose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repugnant come from?
Repugnant entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin present participle repugnant-, meaning “opposed” or “resistant.” That form comes from repugnare, “to fight against,” which contains the Latin root pugn-, associated with fighting and also with the hand or fist. Related English words include pugnacious, pugnacity, and pugilism.
Related word forms
How repugnant is actually used
This is a formal and emphatic word. Its most common use is moral, while physical uses tend to describe something disgustingly loathsome rather than merely unattractive.
Easily confused with repugnant
Repugnant more often describes something morally abhorrent, although it can also mean loathsome, while repulsive commonly emphasizes causing disgust or aversion.
Repugnant conveys moral condemnation or intense offensiveness, whereas repellent more often describes something that drives people away or causes physical repulsion.