repellent
word
Definition
A substance that keeps away insects or other pests. As an adjective, it describes something that causes dislike or is able to drive things away.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used about chemicals for keeping insects away, like 'mosquito repellent'. As an adjective, it can mean something is unpleasant or off-putting. Less common as an adjective in daily speech than as a noun.
Spanish: repelentePortuguese (BR): repelentePortuguese (PT): repelenteChinese (Simplified): 驱虫剂 - 防护剂Chinese (Traditional): 驅蟲劑 - 防護劑Hindi: प्रतिरोधक - विकर्षकArabic: طاردBengali: বিরোধী পদার্থ - বিকর্ষকRussian: репеллент - отпугивающее средство - отталкивающийJapanese: 忌避剤 - 不快なVietnamese: chất đuổi (côn trùng) - gây khó chịuKorean: 기피제 - 혐오스러운Turkish: kovucu - iticiUrdu: دافع - ناگوارIndonesian: penolak - menjijikkan
Example Sentences
I put on repellent before going into the forest.
basic
This spray is a strong repellent for ants.
basic
Do you have any mosquito repellent?
basic
I can't stand that smell—it's almost repellent.
natural
Even the idea of eating bugs is totally repellent to me.
natural
If you forget to bring repellent, the mosquitoes will eat you alive out here.
natural