Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

gut-reaction

noun
ɡʌt rɪˈækʃən
Definition
An instinctive emotional response to a situation, often made without reasoning or careful thought.
Examples
  • When faced with the difficult decision, she followed her gut reaction and chose to take the job.
  • His gut reaction told him that something was off about the proposal.
  • Despite all the data, her gut reaction was to trust her instincts.
Meaning
A gut reaction is a strong feeling or intuition that people experience in response to a situation. It usually occurs immediately and is based on an emotional rather than rational assessment.
Synonyms
  • instinct
  • intuition
  • immediate response
  • knee-jerk reaction
  • gut feeling