Bilious

Bilious, in its most common usage, describes a state of illness characterized by nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of sickness, often linked to an upset stomach or digestive distress. Historically, and sometimes still, it refers to the excessive secretion of bile, a bitter fluid produced by the liver. Extending beyond the purely physical, "bilious" can also describe a bad-tempered, irritable, or peevish disposition, someone prone to complaining and negativity, much like the effects of bile's bitterness. It paints a picture of someone easily angered, resentful, or spiteful. It can also suggest a generally unpleasant or unhealthy atmosphere. The word's connotations range from physical discomfort to emotional toxicity.

Bilious meaning with examples

• After the rollercoaster ride, Sarah felt bilious, clutching her stomach and regretting the pre-ride corn dog. The churning in her stomach caused an unpleasant feeling of nausea, making her want to rest. She had to sit down and take deep breaths to stop feeling like she might vomit. The thought of more activity made her head spin. The bilious feeling lingered for several hours.
• The stuffy, poorly ventilated room filled with cigarette smoke made him feel bilious, prompting him to open a window despite the cold. He felt increasingly sick as the afternoon wore on, made worse by the stale odor. The environment seemed to trap every scent of the smoke, causing him to feel uncomfortable and ill. His queasiness intensified, and he needed fresh air quickly.
• Her bilious remarks about the new project manager alienated the team, poisoning the atmosphere with negativity. The constant criticism, laced with sarcasm, made the office a difficult place to be. Her angry outlook was shared throughout the office in the days that followed. Several team members felt this bilious negativity. Morale plummeted as a result.
• The child's bilious temper tantrum, fueled by a lack of nap and sugary treats, was a test of the parent's patience. The constant whining, and the flailing arms were a struggle to manage. He went red in the face and yelled at the top of his lungs, seemingly endless, causing the parent to feel bilious. It was difficult to appease, causing her to feel sick.
• The description of the corrupt politician's bilious personality in the tell-all book revealed his cruelty and lack of empathy. The scathing report uncovered a series of unethical actions and questionable decisions. The author portrayed the politician as someone with a resentful disposition and malicious tendencies, making his nature appear bilious. The reader was sickened by the details.