repulsive

adjective

re·​pul·​sive ri-ˈpəl-siv 

1

: serving or able to repulse

repulsive force

2

: tending to repel or reject : cold, forbidding

3

: arousing aversion or disgust

repulsive crimes

repulsively adverb

repulsiveness noun

Synonyms

• disgusting
• ugly
• sickening
• awful
• horrible
• hideous
• shocking
• obscene
• obnoxious
• offensive
• dreadful

Examples of repulsive in a Sentence

Magnets have a repulsive effect on each other.

a repulsive display of shameless flattery that made the embarrassed actor wrinkle his nose in disgust

Recent Examples on the Web

The energy needed to form a heavier nucleus needs to be large enough to overcome the repulsive electric force that positive charges, like two protons, feel with each other. —Stephen L. Levy, The Conversation, 23 June 2025

The durian fruit is famous for its strong aroma that many people find repulsive. —Tom Downey, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025

The word ‘repulsive’, again second language withstanding, is extremely jarring. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 13 June 2025

Art is a true clown and a true sadist, a combination that yields the most repulsive kills in any of the films or shows represented on this list. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repulsyve "(in medicine) dissipating collected humors," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French repulsif "repelling, dissipating humors," borrowed from Medieval Latin repulsīvus, from Latin repulsus, past participle of repellere "to push away, drive back, fend off" + -īvus -ive — more at repel

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for repulsive

• compulsive
• convulsive
• expulsive
• impulsive
• propulsive
• electroconvulsive

Kids Definition

repulsive

adjective

re·​pul·​sive ri-ˈpəl-siv 

: causing disgust

repulsively adverb

repulsiveness noun