verb / noun

repulse

rih-PULS/rɪˈpʌls/

To drive something back or away.

The defenders use plain shields to repulse the attacking formation.

Historical defenders using plain shields to drive an attacking practice formation backward on a training field, no wounds, no writing.

Etymology

“Drive back” directly describes repulsing an attack. In the disgust sense, the same movement becomes emotional: something offensive repulses people by provoking aversion rather than physically forcing them away.

In context

The U.S. Army37:51

From their elevated and dug-in positions, they were able to repulse the enemy's charges up the steep ridge.

Korea Twin Tunnels

More examples

The guards repulsed every attempt to breach the gate.
After the repulse, the attackers retreat to the hills.
She repulses his unwanted advances with a firm refusal.

Forms

repulse · repulses · repulsed · repulsing

repulsion noun — The act of driving something away.

Similar words

repel: Often interchangeable, but also used for insects and magnets.
rebuff: Usually means rejecting a person's offer, approach, or request.
resist: Means opposing pressure or attack, not necessarily driving it back.