/ rɪˈpʌlsɪv; NAmE / adjective
1.
causing a feeling of strong dislike; very unpleasant
SYN disgusting :
a repulsive sight / smell / habit
What a repulsive man!
➡ note at disgusting
2.
( physics ) causing repulsion (= a force that pushes away) :
repulsive forces
► re·pul·sive·ly adverb :
repulsively ugly
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from French répulsif , or from , -ive , from repellere drive back, from re- back + pellere to drive.