/ rɪˈpʌls; NAmE / verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
[ usually passive ] to make sb feel disgust or strong dislike
SYN repel :
I was repulsed by the horrible smell.
2.
to fight sb who is attacking you and drive them away
SYN repel :
to repulse an attack / invasion / offensive
3.
to refuse to accept sb's help, attempts to be friendly, etc.
SYN reject :
Each time I tried to help I was repulsed.
She repulsed his advances.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin repuls- driven back, from the verb repellere , from re- back + pellere to drive.