repulsed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repulsed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong feeling of disgust or aversion towards something or someone. Example: "She felt repulsed by the sight of the spoiled food left out on the counter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These Shakespearean lines are from The Tempest, and a tempest was what Sutton's brave amateurs from the GM Vauxhall Conference had to endure once their brief, enthusiastic opening flurry had been repulsed on a damp, raw Norfolk afternoon.

The Guardian - Sport

Then there's the DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr, who declared that he was "pretty repulsed by gay and lesbianism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even so, suicide campaigns are often designed to madden their victims into inflicting collective punishment, thus further radicalising the terrorists' actual or potential supporters, who might otherwise be repulsed by the carnage that such extreme violence causes.But there are subtler methods.

The Economist

The South African army invaded to stop this happening, and came within a few miles of taking the capital, but was repulsed at the last moment by a few planeloads of Cubans.It might seem odd that so poor a nation as Cuba could project power so far.

The Economist

He liked Washington for its spring blossom, and for its debate, but as a congregationalist and abolitionist, he was repulsed by its slave markets.

The Economist

WHAT is more taboo than a woman who is repulsed by her own child?

The Economist

Americans are repulsed by Europeans' crooked, cream-coloured teeth and Europeans find phosphorescent, fake-looking American smiles equally off-putting.Cleanliness symbolises purity.

The Economist

See articleForces loyal to Chad's president, Idriss Déby, repulsed an attack by rebels on the country's capital, Ndjamena.

The Economist

The army repulsed the attack with the help of helicopter gunships and warplanes.

The Economist

Mr Assad's surprise attack on Israel in 1973 was initially successful; and although repulsed when Israel rallied, it helped to offset his failure as defence minister in 1967, when Syria lost its strategic borderlands known as the Golan Heights.Nonetheless, opposition to Mr Assad's autocratic rule grew, and so did his repressive habits.

The Economist

The rebels repulsed an attack on Goma, their headquarters in eastern Congo.The Arab League, meeting in Cairo, condemned Turkey's military ties with Israel.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "repulsed" to convey a strong sense of disgust or aversion. It's more impactful than simply saying 'disliked'.

Common error

Avoid using "repulsed" when a simpler word like 'disappointed' or 'unimpressed' would suffice. "Repulsed" implies a visceral reaction.

Linguistic Context

Repulsed functions as a past participle adjective or a passive voice verb, describing a state of feeling extreme aversion or disgust. Ludwig confirms this is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repulsed" is a versatile word that effectively conveys a strong sense of disgust or aversion. Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and usable term in English, frequently appearing in news and media, as well as encyclopedic content. While grammatically sound, it’s crucial to use it appropriately, reserving it for situations that genuinely evoke a visceral reaction. Alternatives like "disgusted" or "appalled" may be suitable in milder contexts. Remember to use "repulsed" to maximize its impact, and avoid overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repelled

Similar to "repulsed", but can also imply physical rejection.

disgusted

Implies a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval.

revolted

Suggests a strong feeling of disgust and outrage.

sickened

Indicates feeling physically or emotionally disgusted.

appalled

Indicates being shocked and disgusted.

nauseated

Implies a feeling of disgust, often accompanied by a physical sensation of sickness.

horrified

Expresses extreme shock and disgust.

averted

In the context of gaze or attention, means to turn away in disgust or dislike.

loathed

Indicates intense dislike or hatred.

distaste

Suggests a mild dislike or aversion.

FAQs

How is "repulsed" typically used in a sentence?

"Repulsed" is often used to describe someone's emotional reaction to something they find extremely unpleasant or offensive. For instance, "She was "repulsed by the sight" of the decaying food."

What are some alternatives to using "repulsed"?

Depending on the context, you could use "disgusted", "revolted", or "appalled" as alternatives to "repulsed".

Is "repulsed" stronger than "disliked"?

Yes, "repulsed" is significantly stronger than "disliked". "Disliked" indicates a simple lack of preference, while "repulsed" conveys a strong feeling of disgust and aversion.

Can "repulsed" be used to describe a physical reaction?

While "repulsed" primarily describes an emotional reaction, it can sometimes imply a physical response, such as feeling nauseous or wanting to turn away from something.