repulse

[ ri-puhls ]

verb (used with object)

, re·pulsed, re·puls·ing.

1. to drive back; repel:

   to repulse an assailant.

2. to repel with denial, discourtesy, or the like; refuse or reject.

   Synonyms: snub, shun, spurn, rebuff

3. to cause feelings of repulsion in:

   The scenes of violence in the film may repulse some viewers.

noun

1. the act of repelling.
2. the fact of being repelled, as in hostile encounter.
3. a refusal or rejection.

repulse

/ rɪˈpʌls /

verb

1. to drive back or ward off (an attacking force); repel; rebuff
2. to reject with coldness or discourtesy

   she repulsed his advances

3. to produce a feeling of aversion or distaste

noun

1. the act or an instance of driving back or warding off; rebuff
2. a cold discourteous rejection or refusal

Usage

Some people think that the use of repulse in sentences such as he was repulsed by what he saw is incorrect and that the correct word is repel

Derived Forms

• reˈpulser, noun

Other Words From

• re·pulser noun
• unre·pulsed adjective
• unre·pulsing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of repulse¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin repulsus, past participle of repellere to repel

Word History and Origins

Origin of repulse¹

C16: from Latin repellere to drive back, repel

Example Sentences

Hezbollah reported clashing with Israeli troops just over the Lebanese side of the border near the villages of Odaisseh and Maroun Al-Ras, saying its fighters “repulsed” an infantry unit after “inflicting losses.”

From Los Angeles Times

It actively repulses young voters, women, people of color and swing voters.

From Salon

The resulting documentary has already been released on Hulu in the US - with critics as fascinated by the story as they are repulsed by Nasubi's ordeal.

From BBC

Los Angeles has been a character in so much of my music because I’m both attracted and repulsed by it.

From Los Angeles Times

The evidence, however, suggests the opposite is true: Women are just not that into him, or, in most cases, are actively repulsed.

From Salon