Repulse
/rɪˈpʌls/noun
To drive back or repel an attack or unwanted force.
Did you know?The root of 'repulse' connects to ancient concepts of pushing away not just physical threats but also emotional and spiritual ones, reflecting a deep-seated human instinct.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
repulsus
“To drive back or repel, literally 'pushed back'.”
Old French
Old French
repulser
“To repel or drive away, often used in military contexts.”
Middle English
Middle English
repulsen
“To drive back or force away, used in both physical and metaphorical senses.”
Modern English
English
repulse
“To reject or drive away, maintaining the sense of resistance and rejection.”
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