Meaning & Definition of Repel in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: to force something or someone to move away or apart

  Example Sentence: The strong wind can repel the small boat from the shore.

• Definition: to reject or refuse to accept

  Example Sentence: She felt repelled by his rude behavior.

• Definition: to create a repulsive effect

  Example Sentence: Certain chemicals repel pests in the garden.

• Definition: to withstand or resist an attack

  Example Sentence: The fortress was built to repel enemy forces.

• Definition: to cause aversion or disgust

  Example Sentence: The foul odor seemed to repel everyone in the room.

Etymology

Origin: Middle French 'repeller', from Latin 'repellere', meaning 'to drive back'

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• repel someone: to drive someone away or discourage them
• repel an attack: to successfully resist or fend off an attack
• repel insects: to use substances that keep insects away

Translations

• Spanish: reprimir

• French: repousser

• German: abwehren

• Russian: отталкивать

Related Words

• repulse: to drive back or cause to recoil

• repulsion: a feeling of intense distaste or disgust

• repellent: a substance used to drive away pests

Slang Meanings of repel

• Meaning: get rid of

  Example Sentence: I need to repel those annoying flies at the picnic.

• Meaning: turn off

  Example Sentence: His attitude really repels me.