Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Verb: repel (repelled,repelling)  ri'pel
  1. Cause to move back by force or influence
    "repel the enemy";
    - drive, repulse, force back, push back, beat back
     
  2. Be repellent to; cause aversion in
    - repulse
     
  3. Force or drive back
    "repel the attacker";
    - repulse, fight off, rebuff, drive back
     
  4. Reject outright and bluntly
    "She repelled his proposal";
    - rebuff, snub, stiff [N. Amer, informal]
     
  5. Fill with distaste
    "This spoilt food repels me";
    - disgust, gross out [informal], revolt

Derived forms: repels, repelled, repelling

Type of: defend, disdain, displease, dispute, excite, fight, fight back, fight down, force, freeze off, oppose, pooh-pooh, push, reject, scorn, spurn, stimulate, stir, turn down

Antonym: attract

Encyclopedia: Repel