repulsion - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
repulsion Word Meanings
- a strong feeling of dislike
- the act of pushing away
- a force that drives objects apart
repulsion Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
repulsion Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈpʌl.ʃən/
US
/rɪˈpʌl.ʃən/
repulsion Word Etymology
Root decomposition: re- (again) + pulsio (push). Historical origin: Latin repulsio → Old French repulsion → English. Memory image: Imagine a person recoiling from something unpleasant, like stepping back from a pungent odor or a disagreeable sight, embodying the act of repulsion.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Repulsion is a noun that covers both a strong emotional dislike and a physical or metaphorical pushing away. You can feel repulsion toward something you find revolting, or describe a force that keeps magnets or charges apart. In physics, repulsion is the push that makes objects move away from each other. The word comes from Latin repulsio, from re- (again) and pulsio (pushing). A memory cue is to imagine stepping back from a foul odor or a frightening sight, literally recoiling as an instinctive repulsion.
Usage Reminders
- Repulsion describes a strong emotional dislike or a pushing-away force.
- In physics, repulsion is the force that pushes objects apart.
- Use feel repulsion toward/against someone or something, or to describe a repulsion between objects.
- Do not confuse repulsion with attraction or with disgust as a single mood.
- The related adjective is repulsive; reserve repulsion for the noun form.
- Practice with both senses to avoid mixing contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking repulsion for attraction or desire
- Thinking repulsion only means disgust, not a physical force
- Using repulsion to describe people directly without a context
- Confusing repulsion with aversion or aversion therapy
- Misusing repulsive as a noun
Thinking Differences
Repulsion in English blends emotion and physics, which can confuse learners who hear 'repulsion' for both feelings and forces. Many learners overgeneralize to disgust or swap with aversion. Keep straight that repulsion can describe a force or a feeling, and 'repulsive' is the adjective.
Learning Tips
- Read both senses side by side to see the contrast.
- Learn the physics sense with magnets and charges.
- Memorize common collocations like repulsion toward/against.
- Differentiate repulsion from disgust and aversion.
- Remember the adjective repulsive for describing people or things.
- Practice with 6–8 example sentences in different contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'repulsion' mean?
A.Disgust or aversion
B.Attraction
C.Happiness
D.Friendliness
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'repulsion' correctly?
A.She felt a repulsion towards the sweet smell of roses.
B.They experienced repulsion when they saw the dirty dishes.
C.The repulsion of the magnet pulled them closer together.
D.His repulsion for the terrible movie was obvious.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'repulsion'?
A.Disgust
B.Attraction
C.Love
D.Care
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'repulsion'?
A.Aversion
B.Disgust
C.Attraction
D.Hatred
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might feel repulsion?
A.The children showed repulsion at the sight of the moldy bread.
B.He is excited about seeing his favorite movie.
C.The sight of the abandoned house filled her with a sense of dread.
D.She loves eating exotic foods from various cultures.
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