revolting

Revolting is an English adjective and the present participle of the verb revolt. It has two principal senses. In one sense, it describes actions or events that incite or constitute rebellion against authority, such as a revolt or insurrection. In another sense, it describes something highly disgusting or repulsive, capable of arousing strong aversion.

Political sense: A revolt is an uprising by a group against a government or ruling power. Revolting actions are typically local or targeted, while revolutions refer to broader, long‑term changes in political and social order. The term is used in historical and contemporary contexts to describe confrontation, resistance, and shifts in power, sometimes with violent consequences.

Linguistic usage: The meaning is usually inferred from context. In everyday British and American English, revolting most often means extremely unpleasant, as in “the meal was revolting.” The sense connected with political rebellion is more formal and may be found in historical writing or political analysis. Related terms include revolt, insurrection, uprising, revolution, disgust, and repulsion.