verb
ekeln
disgust · be disgusted by
Definition & meaning
ekeln is a German verb that primarily describes the sensation or expression of intense disgust or revulsion towards something. It can be used in two main ways:
- Reflexive usage (sich ekeln): This describes the subjective feeling of being disgusted by someone or something. It is almost always used with the preposition vor (e.g., Ich ekele mich vor Spinnen - I am disgusted by spiders).
- Transitive usage: This describes the act of causing someone else to feel disgust. For example, Der Geruch ekelt mich (The smell disgusts me).
Grammar & Word origin
ekeln is a weak verb.
- Principal parts: ekeln (infinitive), ekelte (past tense), geekelt (past participle).
- When used to describe a feeling, it is used reflexively (sich ekeln).
- Etymologically, it is related to the Middle High German ekel, meaning "sharp" or "nauseating." It shares roots with the concept of something causing an aversion or a physical recoil.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- abscheuen (to loathe/detest)
- widern (to be repulsive/loathsome)
- anwidern (to disgust/revolt)
- verabscheuen (to abhor)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Du ekelst dich vor Spinnen.verb
You are disgusted by spiders.
Ungeziefer ekelte ihn immer schon.verb
Vermin always disgusted him.
Sie ekelt sich vor Schmutz.verb
She is disgusted by dirt.
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