DISGUST DEFINITION:An aversion, usually to something distasteful; revulsion PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A curling lip An open mouth with the tongue pushing slightly forward Wrinkling one’s nose Flinching, recoiling, or shuddering Swallowing hard, then pinching the lips shut Leaning back, the neck disappearing Stroking the throat and grimacing Turning one’s back to the source Eyes that appear cold, dead, or flat Refusing to look Shaking one’s head and muttering Walking away to regain one’s composure The toes curling up Pulling up a collar to cover the mouth and nose Spitting, coughing, dry heaving, or throwing up Putting a hand up and backing away Repeating what someone has said, purposely devoid of all emotion Dry washing the hands Pressing a fist against the mouth and puffing out the cheeks Rubbing at one’s exposed forearms Covering the mouth Making a choking noise in the throat Jerking away from contact, or even the suggestion of contact Pressing hands against the stomach Demanding that someone stop speaking or desist what they are doing Violently rolling the shoulders as if one’s clothing is creating discomfort Using a purse or jacket to create a shield Offering evasive answers Eyebrows lowering and pinching together Pressing one’s knees together Narrowing one’s stance (e.g., bringing the feet together) A face that blanches Rubbing at one’s nose or mouth Speaking in an unsteady voice Losing track of one’s words Cringing away from the source An expression that appears pained, the eyebrows furrowing INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Having trouble swallowing, or feeling like one is choking Excessive saliva; a need to spit A sour or bitter tang in the mouth Nausea or a heaving stomach A burning in the throat The skin tightening (crawling flesh sensation) MENTAL RESPONSES: A compulsion to flee Feeling unclean Wishing to be somewhere else The mind replaying what was seen in agonizing detail Being unable to concentrate properly A sensitivity to smell and touch ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Focusing on cleanliness (showering, rubbing skin raw, etc.) Hyper-protectiveness of personal space Acting jumpy or jittery when one is near the source Becoming unresponsive or less verbal An intense need to flee the source SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Offering a watery smile while maintaining a safe distance Hesitating while forcing oneself to come closer Maintaining eye contact, no matter how difficult Waving a hand as if something doesn’t matter Slowly walking closer, but keeping the arms close to the body Standing away and reaching in with one hand Heavy, jerky movements MAY ESCALATE TO:Scorn,Fear,Anger,Horror MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Shock,Reluctance,Unease,Wariness ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Churn, curdle, faint, flee grimace, heave, nauseate, purge recoil, reject, repel, retch roil, shake, shrink, shudder sicken, spit, spurn, swallow WRITER’S TIP:With extreme emotions that trigger an immediate fight-or-flight response, it’s important to know which “side” fits best with your character’s personality. All actions should line up with this choice.