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

2. (v. t.) To repel by discourtesy, coldness, or denial; to reject; to send away; as, to repulse a suitor or a proffer.

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

4. (n.) Figuratively: Refusal; denial; rejection; failure.