Repel

/ɹɪˈpɛl/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive, now rare) To turn (someone) away from a privilege, right, job, etc..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive, now rare) To turn (someone) away from a privilege, right, job, etc.
2. (transitive) To reject, put off (a request, demand etc.).
3. (transitive) To ward off (a malignant influence, attack etc.).
4. (transitive) To drive back (an assailant, advancing force etc.).
5. (transitive, physics) To force away by means of a repulsive force.
6. (transitive) To cause repulsion or dislike in; to disgust.
7. (transitive, sports) To save (a shot).

Example Sentences

It is some satisfaction to him that is repelled, that dignities, honours, offices, are not alwayes given by desert or worth, but for love, affinitie, friendship, affection, great mens letters, or as commonly they are bought and sold.

In nearby Zintan, rebels repelled an advance by Gaddafi's forces, killing eight and taking one prisoner, a local activist said.

However, while the idea of a free holiday appeals enormously, I am frankly repelled by the idea of spending a couple of weeks in your company.

Arsenal pressed forward again after half-time but other than a venomous Walcott shot that Howard repelled with a fine one-handed save, the hosts offered little cutting edge.

Synonyms for repel

Antonyms for repel

Related Words

Word Forms

• repels
• repelling
• repelled
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• repel
• repellest
• repelledst
• repelleth
• -

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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