26984 words

repel

6 definitions • 9 examples
1
to force someone or something to stop moving towards you or attacking you:

Examples:

It is not true that eating garlic repels mosquitoes.
The defenders repelled the attack without losing any men.
2
(of a material) to not allow a substance to be absorbed into it:

Examples:

This coat has a special surface that repels moisture.
The sprays contain a water repelling ingredient known as a fluoropolymer.
3
to have a magnetic field that pushes away something with a similar magnetic field:

Examples:

Similar poles of magnets repel each other, and opposite poles attract.
4
People or things that repel you make you feel strongly that you do not want to be near, see, or think about them:

Examples:

She was repelled by his ugliness.
Her arrogance repels many people.
5
to force away something unwanted:

Examples:

This coat repels moisture.
6
Repel can also mean disgust:

Examples:

Even the idea of him repels her.

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