repel

/rɪˈpɛl/

/rɪˈpɛl/

Other forms: repelled; repelling; repels

Use the verb repel when you want to turn something away. You might drench yourself in bug spray to repel the mosquitoes that plague you when you go camping.

This versatile word can be used in relation to everything from bugs to unwanted romantic advances. The word repel can be used to describe the act of driving something away, as in the case of bugs or other pesky critters, including potential suitors. It can also be used to describe something that causes disgust or distaste. For example, the thought of eating snails might repel you.

Definitions of repel

1. verb

   force or drive back
   “repel the attacker”

   synonyms: drive back, fight off, rebuff, repulse

   type of:

   defend, fight, fight back, fight down, oppose

   fight against or resist strongly
2. verb

   cause to move back by force or influence
   “repel the enemy”

   synonyms: beat back, drive, force back, push back, repulse

   drive

   cause to move rapidly by striking or throwing with force

   antonyms:

   attract

   direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

   draw in, retract

   pull inward or towards a center

   curl, curl up, draw in

   shape one's body into a curl

   type of:

   force, push

   move with force
3. verb

   be repellent to; cause aversion in
   synonyms: repulse

   antonyms:

   attract

   be attractive to

   types:

   churn up, disgust, nauseate, revolt, sicken

   cause aversion in; offend the moral sense of

   put off, turn off

   cause to feel intense dislike or distaste

   appal, appall, offend, outrage, scandalise, scandalize, shock

   strike with disgust or revulsion

   type of:

   displease

   give displeasure to
4. verb

   fill with distaste
   synonyms: disgust, gross out, revolt

   types:

   nauseate, sicken, turn one's stomach

   upset and make nauseated

   type of:

   excite, stimulate, stir

   stir feelings in
5. verb

   reject outright and bluntly
   synonyms: rebuff, snub

   type of:

   disdain, freeze off, pooh-pooh, reject, scorn, spurn, turn down

   reject with contempt