Meaning of repulse in English

1. Pronunciation

   /rəˈpəls/

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   repulse

   Etymology

   late Middle English: from Latin repuls-‘driven back’, from the verb repellere (see repel)

   Definitions

   1. force or drive back

   Examples

   • « repel the attacker »
   • « fight off the onslaught »
   • « rebuff the attack »
2. 2. be repellent to

   Examples

   • « cause aversion in »

   Antonyms

   • attract
   • appeal
3. 3. cause to move back by force or influence

   Examples

   • « repel the enemy »
   • « push back the urge to smoke »
   • « beat back the invaders »

   Antonyms

   • attract
   • pull
   • pull in
   • draw
   • draw in

4. Noun

   repulse

   Definitions

   1. an instance of driving away or warding off