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repoussant

repulsive, revolting

adjective reh-poo-SAHN Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Appearance

Origin: Present participle of repousser (to push back, to repel), from Latin repulsare

Usage Note

Repoussant (feminine repoussante) is a strong adjective for something that causes visceral disgust or strong aversion — a odeur repoussante, an aspect repoussant. It can describe physical ugliness but also behaviour that one finds morally revolting. Less formal synonyms include dégoûtant and répugnant.

Examples

"Cette odeur repoussante venait de la poubelle."

Natural Translation

That repulsive smell was coming from the bin.

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