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repulsive

adjective

/rɪˈpʌl sɪv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of repulsive

Eliciting strong feelings of disgust, aversion, or revulsion.
"The repulsive odor emanating from the garbage bin made me gag."

Detailed meaning of repulsive

When applied to a person, it suggests an appearance, behavior, or attitude that is deeply offensive or unattractive. It conveys a sense of repugnance and makes one want to keep a distance. Inanimate objects or situations can also be deemed repulsive if they provoke intense feelings of repulsion or if they are considered extremely unpleasant or offensive. The term "repulsive" carries a connotation of being highly unappealing and causing a strong negative reaction, often triggering a desire to avoid or reject whatever it is describing.

Example sentences containing repulsive

1. The sight of the decaying carcass was utterly repulsive.
2. His repulsive behavior towards women earned him a bad reputation.
3. The taste of the spoiled milk was repulsive and made me instantly spit it out.
4. The repulsive graffiti on the walls of the abandoned building gave it an eerie atmosphere.
5. The movie depicted a repulsive murder scene that left the audience in shock.
6. I found his crude jokes and offensive language to be repulsive.

History and etymology of repulsive

The adjective 'repulsive' can be traced back to its Latin origin, 'repulsivus,' which derives from the verb 'repellere.' 'Repellere' consists of two elements: 're,' meaning 'back,' and 'pellere,' meaning 'to drive' or 'to push.' Thus, at its core, the etymology of 'repulsive' conveys the notion of something being pushed or driven back, evoking a sense of aversion or disgust. In modern usage, 'repulsive' describes something that elicits strong feelings of disgust, aversion, or revulsion, aligning with its etymological roots by suggesting a forceful reaction of pushing away or repelling due to its unpleasant or offensive nature.

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Further usage examples of repulsive

1. The thought of eating insects was repulsive to her, and she couldn't fathom trying it.
2. The repulsive slugs crawling on the wet ground sent shivers down my spine.
3. The grotesque caricature on the magazine cover was visually repulsive.
4. The repulsive sight of the open wound made me turn away in disgust.
5. His repulsive habits, such as picking his nose in public, made people avoid him.
6. The repulsive smell made everyone cover their noses.
7. His behavior at the party was utterly repulsive.
8. The repulsive taste of the medicine made her gag.
9. The sight of the decaying carcass was deeply repulsive.
10. The film's violence was so repulsive that some walked out.
11. The politician's comments were widely regarded as repulsive.
12. The restaurant had a reputation for serving repulsive food.
13. His actions towards animals were morally repulsive.
14. The graffiti on the wall was both offensive and repulsive.
15. The character's greed was portrayed as repulsive in the story.
16. The dirty, unkempt room was repulsive to guests.
17. The thought of eating insects was initially repulsive to her.
18. The repulsive behavior of the bullies shocked the school.
19. The stagnant water in the pond had a repulsive odor.
20. The abusive relationship was emotionally repulsive.
21. The idea of eating spoiled food was repulsive to him.
22. The repulsive habits of the roommate created tension.
23. The film's graphic scenes were intentionally repulsive.
24. The repulsive image haunted her nightmares.
25. The repulsive nature of the crime horrified the community.