# aversion

/əˈvɝʒən/ (US) · /ɐvˈɜːʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aversion
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a strong feeling of not liking something and wanting to avoid it. You use this when you really do not want to do or see something.

For teachers: a strong feeling of dislike or opposition toward something, often resulting in avoidance. Frequently followed by the preposition 'to'.

## Examples

- He has a strong aversion to public speaking.
- Many people develop a temporary aversion to certain foods after experiencing a bout of food poisoning.
- Her deep-seated aversion to risk-taking prevented the company from expanding into emerging markets, despite the potential for significant long-term growth.

## Pitfalls

- Not "an aversion for spiders" but "an aversion to spiders" — While 'for' is occasionally seen, 'to' is the standard preposition used with this noun.

## Usage notes

- Commonly takes the preposition 'to' or 'towards'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.