Meaning & Definition of word "Repulsive"

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    Repulsive

    /rɪˈpʌl.sɪv/

    adjective:

    • 1. Causing a strong feeling of disgust or aversion.
      • Example: The repulsive smell from the garbage made it hard to breathe.
    • 2. Offensive to the senses or to moral principles.
      • Example: The repulsive images in the movie were too much for her to handle.
    • 3. Causing aversion due to being unpleasant or distasteful.
      • Example: His repulsive behavior at the party left everyone feeling uncomfortable.
    • 4. Characterized by a strong dislike or repugnance.
      • Example: She found his repulsive remarks to be completely out of line.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'repulsus', past participle of 'repellere' meaning 'to drive back'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    repulsive behavior:

    Actions that are morally or socially unacceptable and evoke disgust.

    repulsive force:

    A force that pushes objects apart, often used in physics.

    repulsive qualities:

    Characteristics that evoke revulsion or strong dislike.

    Related Words

    repulse:

    To drive back or away.

    repulsion:

    A feeling of intense disgust.

    repellent:

    Causing disgust.

    Slang Meanings of repulsive

    Meaning: Gross

    Example Sentence: That food looks gross; I find it completely repulsive.

    Meaning: Nasty

    Example Sentence: He has a nasty reputation; his repulsive mannerisms don't help.