repulsa

Repulsa is a noun used in Portuguese and Spanish with several related meanings. It commonly denotes repulsion or aversion toward something—a feeling of disgust, opposition, or strong dislike. The term is used in everyday language to describe attitudes, reactions, or judgments that push someone away from a person, idea, or situation.

In science, the term for the pushing-apart force is repulsion; in Portuguese the standard word is repulsão. This force acts between like electric charges or like magnetic poles, and is described as opposite to attraction.

In psychology and sociology, repulsa describes emotional or moral repugnance. A person may feel repulsa toward certain acts or norms, influencing behavior, choice, and social norms. Expressions of repulsa can vary from mild distaste to strong condemnation.

In popular culture, Repulsa is the surname of Rita Repulsa, a fictional sorceress and recurring villain in the Power Rangers franchise, first appearing in 1993. The name is used primarily as a proper noun in English-language media.