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
1
To drive back an attack or attacker.
"The defenders repulsed three waves of assault before nightfall."
"The army repulsed the invasion at the border."
2
To cause someone to feel strong disgust.
"The smell from the dumpster repulsed everyone who walked past."
noun
1
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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
repulse an attack
repulse the enemy
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like repulse.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- repulses
- Third person singular
- repulses
- Past tense
- repulsed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for repulse
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.
