repel

[riˈpɛl]

repel Definition

  • 1to push or drive something away
  • 2to cause dislike or disgust in someone
  • 3to be resistant to something

Using repel: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "repel" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The smell of the garbage repels me.

  • Example

    The force field repelled the enemy's attack.

  • Example

    The new policy is likely to repel many customers.

  • Example

    The plant's leaves repel water.

repel Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for repel

Antonyms for repel

Idioms Using repel

  • repel someone's advances

    to reject someone's romantic or sexual interest

    Example

    She had to repel his advances several times before he finally got the message.

  • repel all boarders

    to fight off all attackers who are trying to board a ship

    Example

    The pirates tried to take over the ship, but the crew was able to repel all boarders.

  • to successfully defend against an enemy's attack

    Example

    The soldiers were able to repel the enemy's advance and hold their position.

Phrases with repel

  • repel boarders

    to fight off attackers who are trying to board a ship

    Example

    The sailors were able to repel boarders and protect their ship.

  • to prevent water from sticking to a surface

    Example

    The jacket is designed to repel water and keep you dry in the rain.

  • to keep insects away from something

    Example

    The citronella candles are supposed to repel mosquitoes.

Origins of repel

from Latin 'repellere', meaning 'drive back'

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Summary: repel in Brief

The verb 'repel' [riˈpɛl] means to push away, resist, or cause disgust. It can refer to physical forces, as in 'The force field repelled the enemy's attack,' or emotional reactions, as in 'The smell of the garbage repels me.' 'Repel' extends into phrases like 'repel boarders,' and idioms like 'repel someone's advances,' denoting rejection. It has synonyms like 'disgust' and 'resist,' and informal equivalents like 'gross out' and 'turn off.'