Aversion, n.
Etymology: [L. aversio: cf. F. aversion. See Avert.]
1. A turning away. [Obs.] Adhesion to vice and aversion from goodness. Bp. Atterbury.
2. Opposition or repugnance of mind; fixed dislike; antipathy; disinclination; reluctance. Mutual aversion of races. Prescott. His rapacity had made him an object of general aversion. Macaulay.
Note: It is now generally followed by to before the object. [See Averse.] Sometimes towards and for are found; from is obsolete. A freeholder is bred with an aversion to subjection. Addison. His aversion towards the house of York. Bacon. It is not difficult for a man to see that a person has conceived an aversion for him. Spectator. The Khasias . . . have an aversion to milk. J. D. Hooker.
3. The object of dislike or repugnance. Pain their aversion, pleasure their desire. Pope.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Antipathy; dislike; repugnance; disgust. See Dislike.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for aversion; he lists it under abomination, antipathy, hatred.
Where he writes about it:
Abomination (from the L. ab omen, a thing of ill omen) was originally applied to anything held in religious or ceremonial aversion or abhorrence; as, "The things which are highly esteemed among men are abomination in the sight of God." Luke xvi, 15. — from abomination
The word is oftener applied to the object of such aversion or abhorrence than to the state of mind that so regards it; in common use abomination signifies something very much disliked or loathed, or that deserves to be. — from abomination
Choice food may be an object of aversion and disgust to a sick person; vile food would be an abomination. — from abomination
Antagonism may result from the necessity of circumstances; opposition may spring from conflicting views or interests; abhorrence and detestation may be the result of religious and moral training; distaste and disgust may be acquired; aversion is a deep and permanent dislike. — from antipathy
Aversion is the turning away of the mind or feelings from some person or thing, or from some course of action, etc. — from hatred
Hate, or hatred, as applied to persons, is intense and continued aversion, usually with disposition to injure; anger is sudden and brief, hatred is lingering and enduring; "Her wrath became a hate," TENNYSON Pelleas and Ettarre st. 16. — from hatred
As applied to things, hatred is intense aversion, with desire to destroy or remove; hatred of evil is a righteous passion, akin to abhorrence, but more vehement. — from hatred