Translation guide
The English verb "repulse" has two main meanings: to drive back or repel an attack or attacker, and to cause strong disgust or aversion. These meanings require different Japanese expressions.
To push back an enemy, attack, or physical force.
The most direct equivalent for repelling an enemy or attack. Commonly used in military or combat contexts.
敵の攻撃を撃退した。
We repulsed the enemy's attack.
To make someone feel strong disgust or revulsion.
Literally 'to make someone feel disgust'. A natural way to express that something repulses you.
彼の態度は私に嫌悪感を抱かせた。
His attitude repulsed me.
In English, 'repulse' can mean both 'drive back' and 'cause disgust'. In Japanese, these are expressed with completely different words. Using 撃退する for disgust would be unnatural, and using 嫌悪感を抱かせる for a physical attack would be wrong.
When expressing that something repulses you (disgust), it's often more natural to describe your own feeling rather than the action. For example, 'I was repulsed' can be 嫌悪感を抱いた or むかついた.
To drive away or chase off. Less formal than 撃退する, often used for animals or persistent people.
犬を追い払った。
I repulsed the dog.
To repel or beat back. Can be used for physical attacks or abstract challenges.
敵を退けた。
They repulsed the enemy.
To bounce back or repulse a physical object or force. Often used for projectiles or attacks.
ボールをはね返した。
He repulsed the ball.
Casual and common way to say something disgusts or irritates you. Stronger than just 'annoy'.
その匂いがむかつく。
That smell repulses me.
To make someone shudder with disgust or fear. Emphasizes a visceral reaction.
その光景は私をぞっとさせた。
The sight repulsed me.
Literally 'to induce nausea'. Very strong expression for something physically repulsive.
腐った食べ物は吐き気を催させる。
Rotten food repulses me.