aver·sive I. \-siv, -ziv\adjective Etymology: Latin aversus + English -ive 1.: showing aversion : characterized by aversion 2.: tending to avert : for the purpose of averting < aversive magic to drive off evil > II. adjective : tending to avoid or causing avoidance of a noxious or punishing stimulus < behavior modification by aversive stimulation > < aversive conditioning > • aver·sive·ly\-lē\adverb • aver·sive·nessnoun