repulse
UK/rɪˈpʌls/US/ri'pʌls/
TOEFLGREC2
Definitions
v.
To drive back an attack or enemy
击退（进攻或敌人）
v.
To reject someone's offer or advances coldly
冷淡拒绝（示好等）
v.
To cause disgust in someone
使厌恶，使反感
n.
The act of driving back, or a rejection
击退；拒绝
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + puls (push) = push back, built on the puls- form. It overlaps with repel but is more formal/literary: you repulse an attack or repulse someone's advances. The 'disgust' sense exists too but repel is the everyday choice for that.
Root pel still carries 52 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.repulse an attack击退进攻
- 2.repulse the enemy击退敌人
- 3.[repulse an advance]拒绝示好
- 4.utterly repulse彻底击退
Example Sentences
- 1.
The garrison managed to repulse the enemy assault.
- 2.
She coldly repulsed his attempts to apologize.