Repel

Quick meaning: Repel is a verb meaning (transitive, now rare) To turn (someone) away from a privilege, right, job, etc.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

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

Example Sentences

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.

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.

Word Forms

• repels
• repelling
• repelled
• repellest
• repelledst
• repelleth

Synonyms for repel

Depending on context, synonyms include drive, revolt, snub, rebuff, brush off, repulse.

Antonyms for repel

Common opposites include attract, appeal, pull, pull in.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include repulse, rebuff, turn off, revolt, drive off, disgust.

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