verb

repel

to repel, to drive away, to disgust

The two magnets repel each other.

The two magnets repel each other.

This spray repels insects.

This spray repels insects.

His arrogance repels many people.

His arrogance repels many people.

((sth./sb.)) to drive (sth./sb.) back or away This spray repels insects.

((sb.)) to cause (sb.) to feel disgust His arrogance repels many people.

Synonyms: drive away, push back, disgust; Antonyms: attract, draw in

From Latin 're-' (back) + 'pellere' (to drive, push). Literally 'to drive back'.

Think of a magnetic 'repulsion' field pushing things away. The word has a strong 'push back' feeling.

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