# repugnant

/ɹiˈpəɡnənt/ (US) · /ɹɪpˈʌɡnənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/repugnant
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

causing a strong feeling of disgust or hatred. You use this to describe something that is so bad or offensive that you cannot stand it.

For teachers: causing a strong feeling of disgust, hatred, or moral revulsion. Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe evidence or behavior that is so offensive it cannot be ignored.

## Examples

- The smell of the old trash was absolutely repugnant.
- The judge dismissed the evidence as repugnant to the principles of justice and ordered a new trial.
- The defendant's testimony was so repugnant to the jury that they were forced to take a break to avoid being influenced by the emotional weight of the statements.

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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.