aversive

adjective

aver·​sive ə-ˈvər-siv 

-ziv

: tending to avoid or causing avoidance of a noxious or punishing stimulus

behavior modification by aversive stimulation

aversively adverb

aversiveness noun

Examples of aversive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Today, no Idaho laws or rules govern schools’ use of these aversive techniques, while federal guidance treats them only as a last resort — when a child poses imminent harm. —Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 26 Jan. 2025

This treatment has been shown to reduce the emotional impact of aversive memories, the neurologist added. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 14 Jan. 2025

The meta-analysis suggested that there is a consensus generally in the research literature regarding thinking as being aversive by people. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Cognitive neuroscientist Xiaoqing Hu of the University of Hong Kong and his colleagues used TMR to put a positive spin on aversive memories by building associations with upbeat words. —Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see averse

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

aversive

1 of 2 adjective

aver·​sive

ə-ˈvər-siv, -ziv

: tending to avoid or causing avoidance of a noxious or punishing stimulus

behavior modification by aversive conditioning

aversively adverb

aversiveness noun

aversive

2 of 2 noun

: a noxious or punishing stimulus used to suppress an undesirable behavior or habit

Aversives enter the picture because, although many "positive" (nonpunitive) methods for stopping self-injurious behaviors have been developed, they don't work in all cases.

—Constance Holden, Science