Repulsive

/rɪˈpʌl.sɪv/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Causing a strong feeling of disgust or aversion.
The repulsive smell from the garbage made it hard to breathe.
Offensive to the senses or to moral principles.
The repulsive images in the movie were too much for her to handle.
Causing aversion due to being unpleasant or distasteful.
His repulsive behavior at the party left everyone feeling uncomfortable.
Characterized by a strong dislike or repugnance.
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

Gross
That food looks gross; I find it completely repulsive.
Nasty
He has a nasty reputation; his repulsive mannerisms don't help.