Aversion vs. Revulsion

Attribute	Aversion	Revulsion
Definition	A strong dislike or disinclination	Intense disgust or repulsion
Intensity	Mild to moderate	Extreme
Emotional Response	Dislike or avoidance	Physical and emotional discomfort
Trigger	Unpleasant or undesirable stimuli	Repulsive or horrifying stimuli
Physical Reaction	May include nausea or discomfort	Strong physical repulsion, possibly leading to vomiting

Definition

Aversion and revulsion are two emotions that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Aversion refers to a strong dislike or disinclination towards something, while revulsion is a feeling of intense disgust or repulsion. While both emotions involve a negative reaction to something, aversion is more about avoidance and dislike, while revulsion is about a deep sense of disgust.

Physical Response

One key difference between aversion and revulsion is the physical response they elicit. Aversion may lead to feelings of discomfort or unease, but it typically does not result in a strong physical reaction. On the other hand, revulsion often triggers a physical response such as nausea, gagging, or even vomiting. This physical manifestation of revulsion sets it apart from aversion, which is more of a mental or emotional reaction.

Intensity

Another important distinction between aversion and revulsion is the intensity of the emotions. Aversion is generally considered to be a milder form of dislike or avoidance, while revulsion is a much stronger and more visceral reaction. Aversion may lead someone to avoid a certain food or activity, while revulsion can cause a person to physically recoil or feel sick at the thought of something.

Triggers

The triggers for aversion and revulsion also differ. Aversion is often triggered by personal preferences or past experiences. For example, someone may have an aversion to spicy foods because they had a bad experience with them in the past. Revulsion, on the other hand, is typically triggered by something that is universally considered disgusting or repulsive, such as rotting food or bodily fluids. These triggers are more likely to evoke a strong and immediate reaction of revulsion.

Duration

One final contrast between aversion and revulsion is the duration of the emotions. Aversion is often a more long-lasting feeling, as it is based on personal preferences or past experiences that may not easily change. Revulsion, on the other hand, is usually a more immediate and intense reaction that may dissipate once the triggering stimulus is removed. While aversion may linger over time, revulsion tends to be more short-lived.

Conclusion

In conclusion, aversion and revulsion are two distinct emotions that involve negative reactions to certain stimuli. Aversion is characterized by a dislike or disinclination towards something, while revulsion is marked by a deep sense of disgust or repulsion. The physical response, intensity, triggers, and duration of these emotions all set them apart from each other. Understanding the differences between aversion and revulsion can help individuals better navigate their own emotional responses and reactions to various stimuli.