verb

repel

to repel, to drive away, to disgust

The army repelled the attack.

The army repelled the attack.

The two magnets repel each other.

The two magnets repel each other.

His arrogance repels many people.

His arrogance repels many people.

((sth./sb.)) to drive back or disgust (sth./sb.) The castle walls were built to repel invaders.

Synonyms: drive back, push away, disgust; Antonyms: attract, charm

From Latin 'repellere', from re- 'back' + pellere 'to drive'. Literally 'to drive back'.

Think of an insect 'repellent' spray, which 'repels' or drives away insects.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.