# visceral

/ˈvɪsɝəɫ/ (US) · /vˈɪsəɹəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

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

## Definition

describing a feeling that is very strong and deep, coming from your body rather than your logic. It is an instinctive reaction that you feel in your gut.

For teachers: relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect; characterized by instinct and physical sensation. Often used to describe intense emotional responses that bypass rational thought.

## Examples

- She had a visceral reaction to the scary movie.
- The smell of the hospital triggered a visceral memory of his childhood surgery.
- The artist's work evokes a visceral response from the audience, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths through raw imagery rather than intellectual debate.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'feel', or attributively before nouns like 'reaction', 'response', or 'fear'.

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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.