repulse
UK: rɪˈpʌls | US: rɪˈpʌls
vt. 1. to drive back or repel (an attack or attacker)
vt. 2. to cause strong dislike or disgust in someone
n. 1. the act of repelling or rejecting something
repulse = re<back> + pulse<push>
- re: Prefix meaning "back" or "again," from Latin re-.
- pulse: Root derived from Latin pulsus (past participle of pellere, meaning "to push").
Etymology Origin:
The word "repulse" originates from Latin repulsus, the past participle of repellere ("to drive back"). The prefix re- reinforces the idea of reversal, while pulse retains its core meaning of forceful motion. Over time, "repulse" evolved to describe both physical repulsion (e.g., repelling an attack) and emotional rejection (e.g., causing disgust).
The army managed to repulse the enemy forces at the border.
His rude behavior repulsed everyone at the party.
She felt a sudden repulse when she saw the decaying food.
The goalkeeper’s quick reflexes helped repulse the opponent’s strike.
A strong moral repulse prevented him from accepting the bribe.