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noun

repulsion

rih-PUHL-shuhn

Repulsion (noun) means a strong feeling of disgust or aversion. Example: “She felt repulsion at the sight of the rotting food.”

noun
1
A strong feeling of disgust or aversion.
"She felt repulsion at the sight of the rotting food."
2
In physics, the force that pushes apart objects with like electric charge or magnetic polarity.
"Two north magnetic poles produce repulsion when brought close together."

How to use repulsion

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishStrong disgust, or (in physics) a force pushing things apart.

Common pairings
feel repulsion magnetic repulsion mutual repulsion

Word forms

repulsions plural

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She felt _____ at the sight of the rotting food.

Etymology

From Late Latin repulsio, from Latin repulsus, the same root as "repulse."

Origin: Late Latin

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for repulsion

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Frequently asked questions

What does “repulsion” mean?

The word “repulsion” means a strong feeling of disgust or aversion. In plain terms, strong disgust, or (in physics) a force pushing things apart.

How do you pronounce “repulsion”?

“Repulsion” is pronounced rih-PUHL-shuhn (/ɹɪˈpʌlʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “repulsion” in a sentence?

Here is “repulsion” used in a sentence: “She felt repulsion at the sight of the rotting food.”

What is the opposite of “repulsion”?

The opposite of “repulsion” — its antonyms — is attraction.

What part of speech is “repulsion”?

“Repulsion” is a noun.

Where does the word “repulsion” come from?

The word “repulsion” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin repulsio, from Latin repulsus, the same root as "repulse.".

How many meanings does “repulsion” have?

“Repulsion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong feeling of disgust or aversion.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial