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View synonyms for repulse

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


noun

  1. the act or an instance of driving back or warding off; rebuff
  2. a cold discourteous rejection or refusal
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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
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Derived Forms

  • reˈpulser, noun
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Other Words From

  • re·pulser noun
  • unre·pulsed adjective
  • unre·pulsing adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of repulse1

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

Origin of repulse1

C16: from Latin repellere to drive back, repel
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Example Sentences

Those reports appear to have been absolutely correct, the early responses to Harris’ candidacy suggesting that Republicans are going to have a tough time talking about a woman of color in a way that doesn’t repulse swing voters.

From Salon

His malignity and psychopathology seem to attract followers when these same characteristics should repulse people.

From Salon

In trying to sell women on this "marry men who repulse you" plan, the editorial board unconvincingly argues that simply being married makes people happier than being single.

From Salon

Gladiatorial games, for example, repulse him; sex is reduced to “a brief seizure.”

Troops from South Korea, the United States and other countries under the direction of the United Nations battle to repulse the invasion.

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repugnantrepulsion