What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repulsion
Example
The mere thought of eating snails filled her with repulsion. [repulsion: noun]
Example
The magnets' repulsion caused them to push away from each other. [repulsion: noun]
Example
The smell of the garbage was so strong that it caused repulsion in everyone who passed by. [repulsion: noun]
revulsion
Example
The sight of the dead animal filled her with revulsion. [revulsion: noun]
Example
He felt a sense of revulsion towards the idea of eating insects. [revulsion: noun]
Example
The revulsion on her face was evident when she saw the gruesome scene. [revulsion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Repulsion is more commonly used in scientific contexts, while revulsion is more commonly used in everyday language to describe strong negative emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between repulsion and revulsion?
Both repulsion and revulsion are formal words that can be used in academic or professional settings to describe negative emotions or physical phenomena.