First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
repugnant
adjective re·pug·nant \-nənt\
: causing a strong feeling of dislike or disgust
Full Definition of REPUGNANT
1
2
archaic : hostile
3
: exciting distaste or aversion <repugnant language> <a morally repugnant practice>
— re·pug·nant·ly adverb
See repugnant defined for English-language learners
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Origin of REPUGNANT
Middle English, opposed, contradictory, incompatible, from Anglo-French, from Latin repugnant-, repugnans, present participle of repugnare to fight against, from re- + pugnare to fight — more at pungent
Related to REPUGNANT
- Synonyms
- abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, rancid, repellent (also repellant), offensive, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly
- Antonyms
- innocuous, inoffensive
REPUGNANT Defined for Kids
repugnant
adjective re·pug·nant \ri-ˈpəg-nənt\
Definition of REPUGNANT for Kids
: causing a strong feeling of dislike or distrust
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