Repulse

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, repulse is identified as a verb. It means “to repel by discourtesy, coldness, or denial.” In the short story “Sweat”, by Zora Neale Hurston, it states “Two or three times Delia had attempted a timid friendliness, but she was repulsed each time.” The word repulsed is used to describe how Sykes is treating her. Delia puts in the effort to make the situation better but Sykes doesn’t want to cooperate. Sykes is giving Delia this coldness because he tired of her and wants Bertha instead. He hopes that Delia gives up and leaves the house