Aversive is an adjective that describes something that is unpleasant and causes discomfort, often leading to avoidance. Synonyms for this word include repugnant, repellent, objectionable, offensive, loathsome, disgusting, distasteful, and disagreeable. These words are often used to describe situations, experiences, or behaviors that people want to avoid or find repulsive. Aversive can also refer to the use of punishment to discourage a particular behavior, such as aversive conditioning, which uses negative stimuli to discourage unwanted actions. Whether used to describe an experience or a conditioning technique, the word aversive is often associated with negative emotions and outcomes.