Repulse — Defs

01 v. t. To repel; to beat or drive back; as, to repulse an assault; to repulse the enemy.

imp. & p. p. Repulsed; p. pr. & vb. n. Repulsing

1.
To repel; to beat or drive back; as, to repulse an assault; to repulse the enemy.
“Complete to have discovered and repulsed Whatever wiles of foe or seeming friend.” — Milton.
2.
To repel by discourtesy, coldness, or denial; to reject; to send away; as, to repulse a suitor or a proffer.

02 n. The act of repelling or driving back; also, the state of being repelled or driven back.

1.
The act of repelling or driving back; also, the state of being repelled or driven back.
“By fate repelled, and with repulses tired.” — Denham.

“He received in the repulse of Tarquin seven hurts in the body.” — Shak.
2.
Figuratively: Refusal; denial; rejection; failure.