Definitions and Examples of repel, deter
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To drive away or keep at a distance; to cause dislike or aversion.
Example
The strong smell of the garbage can repelled the customers from entering the store.
To discourage or prevent from doing something by instilling fear or doubt.
Example
The warning sign on the fence deterred people from trespassing on the private property.
Key Differences: repel vs deter
- 1Repel describes an action that causes dislike or aversion, while courting is an action that seeks to attract or woo someone.
- 2Deter describes an action that discourages or prevents someone from doing something, while courting is an action that aims to win someone's affection or favor.
Effective Usage of repel, deter
- 1Relationships: Use courting to describe romantic pursuits, and repel or deter to describe actions that push someone away.
- 2Marketing: Use courting to describe efforts to attract customers, and repel or deter to describe actions that discourage them from buying.
- 3Politics: Use courting to describe efforts to win voters' support, and repel or deter to describe actions that turn them away.
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Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Repel describes an action that causes dislike or aversion, while deter describes an action that discourages or prevents someone from doing something. Use these words in different contexts such as relationships, marketing, and politics to convey the intended meaning effectively.
