repulsive

/rəˈpʌlsɪv/

/rəˈpʌlsɪv/

If something's repulsive, it's so disgusting you don't want to go near it. You may find rotting meat repulsive, but maggots find it delicious.

In the early 17th century, the word repulsive simply meant something that repelled or "pushed away." For example, the like poles of two magnets are repulsive to each other, pushing each other away. Today, repulsive usually means disturbing and sickening. As manners guru Amy Vanderbilt said, "Do not speak of repulsive matters at the table."

Definitions of repulsive

1. adjective

   offensive to the mind
   “repulsive behavior”

   “the most repulsive character in recent novels”

   synonyms: abhorrent, detestable, obscene, repugnant

   offensive

   unpleasant or disgusting especially to the senses
2. adjective

   so extremely ugly as to be terrifying
   “a repulsive mask”

   synonyms: hideous

   ugly

   displeasing to the senses
3. adjective

   possessing the ability to repel
   “a repulsive force”

   antonyms:

   attractive

   having the properties of a magnet; the ability to draw or pull