verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

repel

rih-PEHL

Repel (verb) means to drive back or fight off an attack or attacker. Example: “The soldiers managed to repel the invasion.”

verb

To drive back or fight off an attack or attacker.

"The soldiers managed to repel the invasion."

"The castle walls were built to repel any siege."

To keep something away by physical or chemical force.

"This spray helps repel mosquitoes."

To cause strong dislike or disgust in someone.

"The smell of the fish market repelled her."

How to use repel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo push something away — physically, chemically, or emotionally.

Easily confused with

repeal →

Common pairings

repel insects repel an attack repel water

Word forms

repelled past tense, repel plural, repelled plural, repels singular, repel singular, repelled singular, repellest singular, repelledst singular, repelleth singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The soldiers managed to _____ the invasion.

Etymology

From Old French repeller, from Latin repellere, "to drive back," from re- plus pellere, "to push or drive." A doublet of repeal.

Origin: Latin

Antonyms

attract

Related words

pull appeal engage attract put off

Frequently asked questions

What does “repel” mean?

The word “repel” means to drive back or fight off an attack or attacker. In plain terms, to push something away — physically, chemically, or emotionally.

How do you pronounce “repel”?

“Repel” is pronounced rih-PEHL (/ɹɪˈpɛl/ in IPA).

How do you use “repel” in a sentence?

Here is “repel” used in a sentence: “The soldiers managed to repel the invasion.”

What is the opposite of “repel”?

The opposite of “repel” — its antonyms — is attract.

What part of speech is “repel”?

“Repel” is a verb.

Where does the word “repel” come from?

The word “repel” comes from Latin. From Old French repeller, from Latin repellere, "to drive back," from re- plus pellere, "to push or drive." A doublet of repeal.

Is “repel” a common word?

“Repel” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “repel” have?

“Repel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to drive back or fight off an attack or attacker.

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