repugnance
UK: rɪˈpʌɡnəns | US: rɪˈpʌɡnəns
n. intense disgust or aversion
n. a feeling of strong opposition or contradiction
Derived from Latin repugnantia ("resistance, opposition"), from repugnare ("to fight back"), combining re- (expressing opposition) and pugnare ("to fight"). The root pugn- (as in "pugnacious") reflects physical or ideological conflict, while -ance nominalizes the state of opposition. Over time, the word shifted from literal combat to moral or emotional resistance, emphasizing visceral disgust.
She felt a deep repugnance toward the unethical proposal.
His repugnance for injustice fueled his activism.
The smell evoked an immediate repugnance in the guests.
Cultural taboos often arise from collective repugnance.
Overcoming repugnance is necessary in medical professions.