- repulsion
- 1412, "repudiation," from L.L. repulsionem, noun of action from repellere (see repel). Meaning "action of forcing or driving back" is attested from 1547. Repulse (n. and v.) are attested from 1533, originally in Bellenden's Livy, from L. repulsus, pp. of repellere. Adj. repulsive is attested from 1611, from Fr. repulsif (14c.), from M.L. repulsivus, from pp. stem of repellere. Originally it meant "able to repel;" the sense of "causing disgust" is first recorded 1816.