Repulse

Origin

From Latin repellere ("to drive back"), from re- ("back") + pellere ("to drive").

For spelling, as in pulse, the -e (on -lse) is so the end is pronounced /ls/, rather than /lz/ as in pulls, and does not change the vowel (‘u’). Compare else, false, convulse.

Full definition of repulse

Verb

1. to repel or drive backto repulse an assault; to repulse the enemy
2. to reject or rebuffto repulse a suitor
3. to cause revulsion

Noun

1. the act of repulsing or the state of being repulsed
2. refusal, rejection or repulsion

Related terms

• repel
• repellent
• repulsion
• repulsive

Anagrams

• Slurpee