adjective
repellent
ruh-PEH-luhnt
Repellent (adjective) means causing strong dislike or disgust. Example: “He found the whole idea morally repellent.”
adjective
1
Causing strong dislike or disgust.
"He found the whole idea morally repellent."
2
Able to keep something (water, insects) away.
"The jacket is made from a water-repellent fabric."
noun
1
A substance made to keep insects or other pests away.
"Don't forget the mosquito repellent for the camping trip."
How to use repellent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that pushes things away — either literally (bugs, water) or emotionally (disgust).
Common pairings
insect repellent
water-repellent
morally repellent
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Word forms
- Plural
- repellents
- Comparative
- more repellent
- Superlative
- most repellent
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He found the whole idea morally _____.
Etymology
From Latin repellens, present participle of repellere, "to drive back." Formed from repel plus -ent.
Synonyms
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repellant
resistant
rebarbative
disgusting
revolting
disgustful
foul
distasteful
loathly
loathsome
repelling
skanky
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for repellent
See all rhymes for repellent →Frequently asked questions
What does “repellent” mean?
The word “repellent” means causing strong dislike or disgust. In plain terms, something that pushes things away — either literally (bugs, water) or emotionally (disgust).
How do you pronounce “repellent”?
“Repellent” is pronounced ruh-PEH-luhnt (/ɹəˈpɛlənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “repellent” in a sentence?
Here is “repellent” used in a sentence: “He found the whole idea morally repellent.”
What part of speech is “repellent”?
Depending on how it is used, “repellent” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “repellent” come from?
The word “repellent” comes from Latin. From Latin repellens, present participle of repellere, "to drive back." Formed from repel plus -ent.
How many meanings does “repellent” have?
“Repellent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: causing strong dislike or disgust.
