repel (rɪˈpɛl
)
Definitions
verb
(mainly tr) - to force or drive back (something or somebody, esp an attacker)
- (also intr) to produce a feeling of aversion or distaste in (someone or something); be disgusting (to)
- to push aside; dismiss ⇒
he repelled the suggestion as wrong and impossible
- to be effective in keeping away, controlling, or resisting ⇒
an aerosol spray that repels flies
- to have no affinity for; fail to mix with or absorb ⇒
water and oil repel each other
- to disdain to accept (something); turn away from or spurn ⇒
she repelled his advances
- (also intr) to exert an opposing force on (something) ⇒
an electric charge repels another charge of the same sign
Alternative Forms
reˈpeller noun Word Origin
C15: from Latin repellere , from re- + pellere to push, drive
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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drive off,
fight,
refuse,
check,
decline,
reject,
oppose,
resist,
confront,
parry,
hold off,
rebuff,
ward off,
beat off,
repulse,
keep at arm's length
put to flight,
