Put off ruler, recoiling before something seedy (7)
I believe the answer is:
repulse
'put off' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for repulse that I've seen before include "Drive back or reject" , "kick in the teeth" , "Fend off" , "Be disgusting - drive back" , "Drive back by force" .)