noun
repulsion
rih-PUHL-shun/rɪˈpʌlʃn/
A force that drives something away.
Magnetic repulsion keeps the matching poles of these magnets apart.
Etymology
Repulsion names the action of “driving back,” connecting it directly to a force that pushes things apart. Its emotional sense extends that rejection into strong dislike or disgust.
In context
a feeling of repulsion of unreasoning horror Came Upon me as I looked at that gnarled old lump of leather
More examples
- Like electric charges experience repulsion.
- The students measure the repulsion between two magnets.
- Repulsion between the particles prevents them from getting too close.
Forms
repulsion · repulsions
repel verb — To force something to move away.
Similar words
- push
- Usually involves contact; repulsion can act across a distance.