Repel vs. Repulse — What's the Difference?

Repel often refers to the act of driving something away or resisting an attack, whether through physical means, such as a magnetic force, or through protective measures. On the other hand, repulse can carry a similar meaning in terms of rejecting or warding off, but it uniquely encompasses a strong emotional response of disgust or strong aversion, often used in contexts relating to personal feelings or social interactions.

While repel can be used in various contexts, including scientific (e.g., water-repelling surfaces) and military (e.g., repel an invasion), repulse is more frequently used in personal or social contexts, emphasizing emotional reactions. Whereas repel might describe a material's ability to not absorb water, repulse would more likely describe someone's reaction to a distasteful proposal.

In terms of usage, repel can apply to both physical and metaphorical barriers, such as repelling insects with repellent or repelling an idea. In contrast, repulse, though it can be used similarly to repel in the context of rejection, is particularly strong when expressing emotional or moral disgust.

The nature of the action also differs; repel implies an ongoing effort or capability to keep something at bay, suggesting a form of resilience or defense. Repulse, however, suggests a more immediate and often visceral reaction to something deemed highly undesirable or offensive.

In physical sciences, repel is a term often associated with forces, such as magnetic or electric fields, where like forces repel each other. Repulse, however, is rarely used in such contexts, its application being largely confined to human emotions and social interactions.