WordGarden.iorepel
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪpˈɛl/
US
- /rɪˈpɛl/
Meanings
Verb
to drive back or keep away an attack, threat, or unwanted approach
to make someone feel strong dislike, disgust, or aversion
in science, to push something away by a force such as magnetism or electrical charge
More meaningsFewer meanings
of a surface or material, to resist or keep out water, dirt, or similar matter
Beyond the definition
Imagine a magnet - some things it attracts, others it repels. To repel something means to drive it away, push it back, or make it retreat. A strong smell might keep you away from a restaurant, and a prickly porcupine repels predators with its quills. It can also mean to cause disgust or strong dislike - some people are repelled by dishonesty. Think of it as the opposite of attract: something that creates distance instead of closeness.
To repel means to drive away, push back, or discourage someone or something. It suggests a strong force creating separation. This can be physical, like when magnets with the same poles repel each other, causing them to move apart. "The fortress walls were designed to repel invaders," illustrates this literal sense of pushing an enemy back.
However, repel isn't always about physical forces. It often describes a strong emotional or psychological reaction. A rude comment might make someone not want to continue the conversation. An unpleasant odor can keep you from entering a room. A politician's policies might also repel voters who disagree with their views.
The word also carries a sense of aversion – something that causes disgust or resistance. "She was repelled by his cruel behavior" suggests a strong negative reaction and desire to distance oneself. Historically, repel had connections to legal defenses; to "repel an accusation" meant to successfully defend against it.
So whether it's a physical barrier pushing something away, a personality trait causing someone to withdraw, or a feeling of disgust creating distance – to repel is to create separation and resistance. It's about what pushes away rather than pulls in.
Examples
- 1
Insect repellent
This spray repels mosquitoes for up to six hours.
- 2
Clothing
The outer layer of the jacket repels rain.
- 3
Military defense
The castle walls were built to repel enemy attacks.
- 4
Personal disgust
She was repelled by his rude, arrogant attitude.
- Patternbe repelled by + person/behavior
feel strong dislike or disgust
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Customer reaction
The company's cold response to complaints could repel potential customers.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- repelverb
Forms
- repelledpast tenseverb
- repelling-ing formverb
- repelsverb