Tõrjuva

Tõrjuva is an Estonian adjective that translates to "repellent," "repulsive," "deterrent," or "rejecting" in English. The word is derived from the verb "tõrjuma," which means to repel, to push away, to reject, or to ward off. It is used to describe something that causes a feeling of aversion or disgust, or something that serves to prevent or discourage.

In its most common usage, tõrjuva can describe a person's attitude or demeanor. For example, someone might have a tõrjuv hoiak, meaning a rejecting or unwelcoming attitude. This can manifest as unfriendliness, aloofness, or a clear desire to keep others at a distance. It can also describe a physical reaction, such as a tõrjuv pilk (a rejecting glance) or a tõrjuv liigutus (a repelling movement).

Beyond personal interaction, tõrjuva can also be applied to abstract concepts or substances. A smell could be described as tõrjuv if it is unpleasant and causes one to turn away. Similarly, a policy might be considered tõrjuv if it discourages certain behaviors or groups of people. The core meaning remains consistent: something that actively pushes away or creates a barrier.