verb

repousser

postpone · turn down · push back

Faire en sorte que quelque chose ou quelqu’un s’éloigne ou ne s’approche pas.

The French verb "repousser" generally means "to push back" or "to repel." It has several nuances depending on the context in which it is used:

Physical Meaning: "Repousser" can refer to physically pushing something away or back from oneself. For example, if you push back a piece of furniture or an object, you would use "repousser".
Figurative Meaning: It can also imply delaying or deferring something, like rescheduling an event or postponing an obligation.
Biological Context: In a botanical sense, it is used to describe the regrowth of plants or the emergence of new shoots or leaves. For instance, "Les fleurs repoussent au printemps" means "The flowers grow back in spring."

Synonyms and differences:

Reculer: This means "to step back" or "to go back." It denotes a retreating movement, typically emphasizing distance rather than the act of pushing away.
Repousser: While it can also mean to step back in some contexts, it emphasizes an active force of pushing something away or defending against it.

Each synonym has its own implications, and the preferred choice depends on the context in which you're communicating. "Repousser" is generally more assertive than "reculer," which can be softer or more passive.