French Conversation · Level 113
59 words
French word
repoussoir
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁəpuswaʁ/
Meaning
- masculine noundeterrent
Example
La lumière a été un repoussoir pour les voleurs.
The light served as a deterrent to thieves.
More examples
Son attitude est devenue un repoussoir pour ses collègues.
His attitude became a deterrent to his colleagues.
Core concept
A closed gate in front of a person, making the next step seem too risky or unattractive.
Similar words
obstacle: An obstacle that stands in the way of achieving a goal.
barrière: A barrier that blocks further movement.
frein: A force or mechanism that slows progress or change.
Definition in French
Désigne un élément ou une cause qui repousse, décourage ou empêche quelqu'un d'agir.
Word origin
Repoussoir derives from French repousser, 'to push back', with the noun-forming suffix -oir for something that performs an action.
Usage tips
- Repoussoir is masculine and often occurs in the pattern être un repoussoir pour quelqu'un.
Other meanings
- foilnoun
Opposites
- incitationinducementnoun
Related words
- repousserrepelverb
- repoussantoff-puttingadjective