aversive

adjective

Pronunciation: /əˈvɜːrsɪv/

Definition

Causing a strong feeling of dislike or a desire to avoid something.

Examples

• Psychologists use aversive conditioning to help patients break harmful habits by associating them with unpleasant outcomes.

• The bitter coating on the cable acts as an aversive stimulus to prevent pets from chewing on the wires.

• Some people find the loud noise of the alarm to be an aversive experience that motivates them to wake up immediately.

Synonyms of aversive

Words with a similar meaning to aversive:

• unpleasant
• repulsive
• objectionable
• repugnant

Antonyms of aversive

Words with the opposite meaning to aversive:

• attractive
• appealing

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