Definition of repulsive

The word "repulsive" originated in the Middle English language around the 14th century. It derives from the Old French word "repulser," which means "to push away" or "to drive back." This French word, in turn, is derived from the Latin word "repullere," which breaks down into "re-," meaning "back," and "pullere," meaning "to push" or "to draw." The Latin root "pullere" has a similar meaning in other Latin-derived words, such as "pullulare," meaning "to grow or flourish abundantly," which may seem contradictory to the modern usage of "repulsive" as a synonym of "unpleasant" or "disgusting." However, this historical linguistic connection highlights the etymological complexities that exist in many modern English words and their origins in Latin and Old French. In modern English usage, "repulsive" is a strong adjective that describes something that is disturbingly, frightfully, or revoltingly unpleasant, often causing an instinctive or immediate aversion in others. Its usage, however, highlights the linguistic evolution of words over time and how they can change and take on new meanings as societies and cultures change.