Horror and Loathing, the difference

Horror is shocked, revolted fear at something deeply wrong. Loathing is intense, visceral hatred and revulsion.

Each in a line

Horror

Horror is shocked, revolted fear at something deeply wrong. The chest seizes, the stomach turns, the mind recoils. Fear combines with the recognition that what is witnessed should not exist. The wrongness is part of the experience.

Fear family

Loathing

Loathing is intense, visceral hatred and revulsion. The chest tightens and the stomach turns. The face contorts with disgust and anger combined. The rejection is complete. It joins two emotions usually thought of as distinct.

Disgust family

Pleasantness and energy
high energylow energyunpleasantpleasantHorrorLoathing
Where each lives in the body

Horror

Head
Tunnel-vision tightness
Strong
Face
Strong heat or tension
Strong
Chest
Heaviness, ache, or pounding
Strong
Stomach
A sinking pull or knot
Moderate
Arms
Subtle activation
Quiet
Legs
Weak, unable to move
Withdrawn

Loathing

Face
Strong heat or tension
Strong
Stomach
Strong tightening or hollow
Strong
Head
Pressure, fullness, mental load
Moderate
Chest
A faint pull
Quiet
How long they last

Duration has not been measured for these words.

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