repulsion
UK: rɪˈpʌlʃən | US: rɪˈpʌlʃən
n. 1. A feeling of intense distaste or disgust.
n. 2. (Physics) The force by which objects tend to push each other away.
repulsion = re<back> + puls<push> + ion<noun suffix>
- re: From Latin, meaning "back" or "again."
- puls: From Latin pulsus (past participle of pellere, "to push").
- ion: A noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word repulsion originates from Latin repulsio, derived from repellere ("to push back"). The morpheme re- reinforces the backward motion, while puls conveys the act of pushing. Over time, it evolved to describe both physical force (e.g., magnetic repulsion) and emotional aversion, reflecting a logical extension from literal to metaphorical "pushing away."
She felt a sudden repulsion at the sight of the decaying food.
Magnetic repulsion prevents the two north poles from touching.
His cruel remarks filled me with repulsion.
The repulsion between similarly charged particles is a fundamental principle of physics.
Cultural differences sometimes create a sense of repulsion between groups.