An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To drive back; to repel.
→ repulsion, → repulsive force, → repulsive gravity.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from L. repulsus, p.p. of repellere, from → re- “back” + pellere “to drive, strike, push.”

Etymology (PE): Vâzadan “to repulse,” from vâ-→ re- + zadan “to strike, beat; to play an instrument; to do” (Mid.Pers. zatan, žatan; O.Pers./Av. jan-, gan- “to strike, hit, smite, kill” (jantar- “smiter”); cf.
Skt. han- “to strike, beat” (hantar- “smiter, killer”);
Gk. theinein “to strike;” L. fendere “to strike, push;” Gmc. *gundjo “war, battle;” PIE *g^when- “to strike, kill”).