Ekel

Ekel is a German noun that denotes a strong feeling of aversion or revulsion toward something regarded as offensive, repugnant, or morally objectionable. It can refer to a visceral reaction as well as to a judgment about moral or social propriety. The word is used in everyday speech and in academic contexts, often in phrases like vor Ekel erstarren (to freeze with disgust) or sich vor etwas ekeln (to be disgusted by something). The related verb ekeln means to cause or experience disgust; the adjective ekelhaft or ekelig describes something as disgusting.

Etymology: The origin of Ekel is not fully established; it is attested in Middle High German and has cognates in other Germanic languages such as Dutch ekel. It forms the standard German lexical set around disgust, including ekeln (to disgust), ekelhaft (disgusting), and ekelig (slightly archaic/colloquial).

Usage: In everyday language, Ekel refers to both physical aversion (disgust at rotten food, foul odors) and moral or social disgust (revulsion at unethical behavior). Examples: Es ekelt mich vor dem Gestank; Ich empfinde Ekel vor rohem Fleisch.

Psychology and culture: In psychology, disgust is considered a basic, evolutionarily conserved emotion with core aspects (bodily contamination) and, in many theories, a separate moral form. The German term Ekel mirrors this distinction and appears in discussions of morality, hygiene, and ritual behavior. Cultural norms influence what triggers Ekel, leading to variation across societies.