repellent Definition
- 1a substance used to drive away insects or other pests
- 2able to repel a particular thing; impervious to a particular substance
Using repellent: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "repellent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The mosquito repellent kept the bugs away.
Example
The fabric was treated with a water repellent coating.
Example
His attitude was so repellent that no one wanted to be around him.
Example
The idea of eating snails was repellent to her.
Example
The smell of the garbage was absolutely repellent.
repellent Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for repellent
Antonyms for repellent
Phrases with repellent
repellent force
a force that pushes away or repels objects
Example
The magnets had a strong repellent force, causing them to push away from each other.
Example
She sprayed herself with repellent before going on the hike.
a personality that is unattractive or unpleasant, causing others to avoid or dislike the person
Example
His repellent personality made it difficult for him to make friends.
Origins of repellent
from Latin 'repellere', meaning 'to drive back'
Summary: repellent in Brief
The term 'repellent' [rɪˈpɛlənt] refers to substances or things that are able to drive away or resist something. It can refer to insect repellent, water repellent, or even a repellent personality. 'Repellent' is often used to describe things that are unattractive or unpleasant, such as the smell of garbage or an unpleasant attitude.