repel

verb
UK: /rɪˈpel/
US: /rɪˈpel/

  1. To force something or someone to move away or stop attacking.

    1. The army managed to repel the enemy.
    2. The strong defenses were able to repel any attacks on the city, securing its safety.

  2. To refuse to accept something; to reject or rebuff.

    1. She repelled his advances.
    2. The company's efforts to repel the takeover bid proved to be ultimately unsuccessful.

  3. If a substance repels something, it does not mix with it or allow it to pass through.

    1. Oil and water repel each other.
    2. This jacket is treated to repel water, making it perfect for rainy weather.

Synonyms

fend off rebuff decline ward off repulse resist reject
repel adjective

  1. Having the ability to force something away.

    1. It has repel effect.
    2. The insect repellent spray had a powerful repel effect, keeping the bugs away.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "repel" in English means: To force something or someone to move away or stop attacking., To refuse to accept something; to reject or rebuff., If a substance repels something, it does not mix with it or allow it to pass through..

The phonetic transcription of "repel" is /rɪˈpel/ in British English and /rɪˈpel/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "repel": fend off, rebuff, decline, ward off, repulse, resist, reject.

Example usage of "repel": "The army managed to repel the enemy.". More examples on the page.