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
Idioms Using repel
Example
She had to repel his advances several times before he finally got the message.
Example
The pirates tried to take over the ship, but the crew was able to repel all boarders.
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.
Example
The jacket is designed to repel water and keep you dry in the rain.
Example
The citronella candles are supposed to repel mosquitoes.
Origins of repel
from Latin 'repellere', meaning 'drive back'
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.'
