repellent

The definition of repellent is causing to be kept away.

(adjective)

An example of something repellent is a disgusting odor.

Repellent is defined as something that keeps away or prevents.

(noun)

An example of a repellent is a bug spray.

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See repellent in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. that repels; pushing away or driving back
    1. causing distaste, dislike, or aversion; repulsive
    2. causing insects, etc. to react by staying away
  2. able to resist the absorption of liquid, esp. water, to a limited extent: a water-repellent raincoat

Origin: L repellens

noun

something that repels; specif.,
  1. a solution applied to fabric to make it water-repellent
  2. any substance used to repel insects

Related Forms:

See repellent in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also re·pel·lant

adjective
  1. a. Serving or tending to repel.
    b. Able to repel.
  2. Inspiring aversion or distaste; repulsive. See Synonyms at hateful, offensive.
  3. Resistant or impervious to a substance. Often used in combination: a water-repellent fabric.
noun
  1. One that repels.
  2. a. A substance used to repel insects.
    b. A substance or treatment for making a fabric or surface impervious or resistant to something else.

Related Forms:

  • re·pelˈlence, re·pelˈlen·cy noun
  • re·pelˈlent·ly adverb

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