verb

repulse

rih-PUHLS

Repulse (verb) means to drive back an attack or attacker. Example: “The defenders repulsed three waves of assault before nightfall.”

verb

To drive back an attack or attacker.

"The defenders repulsed three waves of assault before nightfall."

"The army repulsed the invasion at the border."

To cause someone to feel strong disgust.

"The smell from the dumpster repulsed everyone who walked past."

noun

An instance of driving something back, or of being rejected.

"The general reported a decisive repulse of the enemy forces."

How to use repulse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo beat back an attack, or to disgust someone.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "repulsion" (the noun for the feeling of disgust or a physical force) — "repulse" is mainly the verb, though it can also be a noun for a military setback.

Easily confused with

repulsion →

Common pairings

repulse an attack repulse the enemy

Word forms

repulsed past tense, repulses plural, repulses singular

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The defenders _____ three waves of assault before nightfall.

Etymology

From Latin repulsus, past participle of repellere, "to drive back" — from re- ("back") plus pellere ("to drive").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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drive repel snub rebuff fight off push back beat back drive back force back

Related words

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Rhymes for repulse

pulse impulse

See all rhymes for repulse →

Frequently asked questions

What does “repulse” mean?

The word “repulse” means to drive back an attack or attacker. In plain terms, to beat back an attack, or to disgust someone.

How do you pronounce “repulse”?

“Repulse” is pronounced rih-PUHLS (/ɹɪˈpʌls/ in IPA).

How do you use “repulse” in a sentence?

Here is “repulse” used in a sentence: “The defenders repulsed three waves of assault before nightfall.”

What part of speech is “repulse”?

Depending on how it is used, “repulse” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “repulse” come from?

The word “repulse” comes from Latin. From Latin repulsus, past participle of repellere, "to drive back" — from re- ("back") plus pellere ("to drive").

How many meanings does “repulse” have?

“Repulse” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to drive back an attack or attacker.

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