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Repulsed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repulsed

[rɪˈpʌlzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional response

Repulsed describes a strong feeling of disgust or aversion towards someone or something. This word often indicates that the subject not only finds something unpleasant but also feels a powerful impulse to move away or reject it. People can feel repulsed by various things, including actions, smells, or behaviors that they find morally or aesthetically objectionable.

Synonyms

disgusted, nauseated, repelled, revolted.

Examples of usage

  • She felt repulsed by the sight of the rotten food.
  • He was repulsed by the person's rude behavior.
  • The foul odor made him feel completely repulsed.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The feeling of being repulsed can trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, preparing you to escape the source of discomfort.
  • Psychologists study repulsion to understand emotional boundaries and social norms, as certain behaviors can trigger this reaction.
  • Physical reactions to being repulsed include facial expressions, such as wrinkling the nose and squinting the eyes, which serve as social signals.

Pop Culture

  • Repulsion is often used in horror films to elicit strong emotional responses from audiences, with shocking visuals or themes.
  • In literature, characters may express repulsion in critical moments, highlighting moral conflicts or emotional struggles.
  • The film 'Repulsion', directed by Roman Polanski, explores themes of mental illness and fear, leading to disturbing depictions of how one can be overwhelmed by repulsion.

Sociology

  • Cultural norms greatly influence what behaviors or objects are deemed repulsive, demonstrating how social context shapes personal reactions.
  • Repulsion often serves as a method of social control, guiding acceptable behaviors and promoting conformity within a group.
  • Studies show that people can feel repulsed based on societal standards, leading to labels such as 'taboo' that vary across cultures.

Origin of 'repulsed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'repulsus', meaning to push back or drive away.
  • Originally, 'repulsus' was used in contexts of physical resistance, later evolving to describe emotional reactions.
  • The prefix 're-' implies a backward motion, while 'pulsus' relates to push, together signifying a strong rejection.

The word 'repulsed' traces its origins to the Latin verb 'repellere,' which means 'to drive back.' This Latin term is a combination of the prefix 're-' indicating 'back' and 'pellere,' meaning 'to push or drive.' The term evolved through Old French into Middle English, where it became associated with both physical and emotional rejection. In English, 'repulse' began to take on its current meaning in the 15th century, primarily used to describe a strong emotional reaction, especially in the context of moral or aesthetic aversion. Over time, 'repulsed' emerged as the past participle form, encapsulating a completed action of feeling this intense negative response.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,376, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.