repulse

¹re·pulse

verb \ri-ˈpəls\

re·pulsedre·puls·ing

Definition of REPULSE

transitive verb

1

: to drive or beat back : repel

2

: to repel by discourtesy, coldness, or denial

3

: to cause repulsion in

Examples of REPULSE

1. The troops repulsed the attack.
2. I was repulsed by the movie's violence.
3. The moldy bread repulsed him.
4. He repulsed all attempts to help him.

Origin of REPULSE

Latin repulsus, past participle of repellere to repel

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to REPULSE

Synonyms: gross out, nauseate, put off, repel, disgust, revolt, sicken, turn off

Related Words: displease, distress; appall (also appal), disquiet, horrify; affront, insult, offend, outrage, shock

Near Antonyms: allure, attract, beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, disarm, draw, enchant, entice, fascinate, lure, pull, seduce, tempt; delight, gratify, please, rejoice, tickle; enrapture, enthrall (or enthral), entrance; appeal (to), interest, intrigue

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Rhymes with REPULSE

avulse, convulse, expulse, impulse