Definition

In a way that causes a feeling of disgust or nausea, often used to describe something that is excessively unpleasant or distasteful.

Example

The movie was sickeningly violent, making many viewers uncomfortable.

Conversation

Did you see that movie everyone is talking about?

Yeah, I thought it was sickeningly intense!

I couldn't believe how gruesome some scenes were.

Right? It felt a bit too much at times, didn't it?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sickeningly → It is formed from "sicken" (from Old English *sician*, meaning to become ill) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "sickeningly" describes something that causes a feeling of illness or disgust in a manner.

Memory Tip

Think of something that makes you feel 'ill' ('sicken') and how it can happen 'in a manner' ('-ly'). This helps you remember that 'sickeningly' refers to something that causes a strong feeling of disgust or nausea.

Visually Confused Words