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repel definition

re·pel (ri pel)

transitive verb repelled -·pelled′, repelling -·pel′·ling

  1. to drive or force back; hold or ward off to repel an attack
  2. to refuse to accept, agree to, or submit to; reject to repel advances
  3. to refuse to accept (a person); spurn to repel a suitor
    1. to cause distaste or dislike in; disgust the odor repelled him
    2. to cause (insects, etc.) to react by staying away
    1. to be resistant to, or present an opposing force to a coating that repels moisture
    2. to fail to mix with or adhere to water repels oil

Etymology: ME repellen < L repellere, to drive back < re-, back + pellere, to drive: see pulse

intransitive verb

  1. to drive off, or offer an opposing force to, something
  2. to cause distaste, dislike, or aversion

Related Forms:

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