French Conversation · Level 74
60 words
French word
repousser
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁəpuse/
Meaning
- verbpush back
Example
Il a repoussé ma main.
He pushed my hand back.
More examples
Nous avons repoussé la réunion à demain.
We postponed the meeting until tomorrow.
Core concept
Something approaching is met with a backward movement, whether it is a hand, a person, a scheduled date, or an unwanted proposal.
Common phrases
repousser la main
push a hand away
repousser un rendez-vous
postpone an appointment
repousser une invitation
turn down an invitation
repousser quelqu'un
drive someone away
Similar words
pousser: Apply force with the hands or body to push someone or something.
écarter: Move someone or something aside to create space.
refuser: Reject an offer or request.
reporter: Move a scheduled event to a later date.
Definition in French
Pousser physiquement quelque chose ou quelqu'un vers l'arrière ou sur le côté ; par extension, éloigner ou chasser une personne, ajourner une date ou rejeter une proposition.
Word origin
French formed repousser from re- and pousser, whose history leads back through Old French to Latin pulsare, meaning to push or strike.
Usage tips
- With a date, repousser means to postpone it, so repousser la réunion refers to moving the meeting later rather than physically pushing it.