Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition repel in American English

repel verb

verb
/rɪˈpel/
1

if something repels you, you think that it is extremely unpleasant and you want to avoid it

Synonyms and related words
cause give pass on
2

to keep something away, or to prevent it from entering something

Example

The wheat is genetically engineered to repel insects.

Example

boots that have been specially treated to repel moisture

Synonyms and related words
shut out seal off cordon off
2.1

if one thing repels another, an electrical or magnetic force makes them move away from each other

Synonyms and related words
absorb conduct decompress
3

to force someone who is attacking to move back or to stop attacking

Example

Using water cannons and tear gas, police repelled protesters outside the U.S. embassy.

Synonyms and related words
fight off fend off stand up to
4

to be unwilling to accept something

Example

a very private woman, who unconsciously repelled any attempts at intimacy

Synonyms and related words
disinclination reluctance shy away
Definition repel in American English