der Abscheu
disgust
A very strong feeling of disgust, revulsion, and deep aversion toward a person, thing, or action.
EXAMPLE
Beim Anblick der Tierquälerei empfand sie tiefen Abscheu.
At the sight of the animal cruelty, she felt deep disgust.
der Abscheu
disgust
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'ab-' and 'Scheu' (shyness/fear). 'Scheu' means fear or reserve. The prefix 'ab-' here reinforces the idea of a turning-away, distancing movement. So 'Abscheu' (disgust) is literally a strong, rejecting fear or revulsion.
EXAMPLE
Er blickte mit unverhohlenem Abscheu auf die schmutzige Straße.
He looked at the dirty street with undisguised disgust.
Typical collocations
'Abscheu' (disgust) is often used with certain verbs that describe the feeling. Common combinations are 'Abscheu empfinden' (to feel disgust), 'Abscheu erregen' (to arouse disgust), or 'jemanden mit Abscheu erfüllen' (to fill someone with disgust).
EXAMPLE
Die Bilder der Umweltzerstörung erfüllten sie mit tiefem Abscheu.
The images of environmental destruction filled her with deep disgust.
Correct preposition
To express what the disgust is directed at, you use the preposition 'vor' with the dative. The structure is: Abscheu vor + [person/thing in the dative].
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen haben einen Abscheu vor Spinnen.
Many people have a disgust for spiders.
Register and style
'Abscheu' (disgust) is a very strong word and belongs more to elevated written language. It expresses a deeper and more intense aversion than more everyday words.
EXAMPLE
In seinem Brief drückte der Autor seinen Abscheu gegenüber der politischen Entwicklung aus.
In his letter, the author expressed his disgust at the political developments.
Compare with
Abscheu vs Abneigung
aversion
Abneigung and Abscheu both refer to strong rejection of a person, thing, or action. Abscheu is considerably more intense, however, and often combines aversion with disgust or horror, whereas Abneigung is also possible without such intense feelings. Choose Abneigung for lasting aversion and Abscheu for an extreme reaction.
Abscheu
Der Anblick der verdorbenen Speise löste bei ihr großen Abscheu aus.
The sight of the spoiled food filled her with disgust.
Abneigung
Wegen seiner Abneigung gegen Pilze bestellte er eine Pizza ohne Pilze.
Because of his aversion to mushrooms, he ordered a pizza without them.
In real life
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