Repel Meaning in English

word

US

ɹɪˈpɛɫ

ri-PEL

UK

ɹɪpˈɛl

ri-PEL

Definition

To push away or drive something or someone back, often because it is unwanted. Can be used for physical things (like insects or people) or for feelings and ideas.

Usage & Nuances

Formal and often used in science, defense, or emotional contexts. Common with 'repel water/bugs/attacks'. Do not confuse with 'repulse', which can mean 'cause disgust'. 'Repellent' is a related noun/adjective ('insect repellent').

• Spanish: repeler
• Portuguese (BR): repelir
• Portuguese (PT): repelir
• Chinese (Simplified): 驱赶 - 排斥
• Chinese (Traditional): 驅趕 - 排斥
• Hindi: प्रत्याख्यान करना - दूर हटाना
• Arabic: يصد - يطرد
• Bengali: পিছিয়ে দেওয়া - দূরে ঠেল দেয়া - প্রতিহত করা
• Russian: отталкивать - отражать - отпугивать
• Japanese: 追い払う - 退ける
• Vietnamese: đẩy lùi - xua đuổi - chống lại
• Korean: 쫓아내다 - 물리치다 - 밀어내다
• Turkish: püskürtmek - geri püskürtmek - itmek
• Urdu: پیچھے ہٹانا - دفع کرنا
• Indonesian: menolak - mengusir

Example Sentences

Certain plants repel insects naturally.

basic

This jacket is designed to repel water.

basic

They tried to repel the attackers.

basic

Strong odors can repel some animals.

natural

His rude comments really repelled me.

natural

Does this spray really repel mosquitoes?

natural