Repel

Pronunciation: /rɪˈpɛl/

Definitions of repel

verb to drive or force back; to cause distaste or aversion

Example Sentences

A1 I use bug spray to repel mosquitoes when I go camping.

A2 The strong smell of garlic can help repel vampires.

B1 Certain plants can be used to repel insects in the garden.

B2 The new coating on the car's windshield helps repel water and dirt.

C1 The magnetic field around the Earth helps to repel charged particles from the sun.

C2 The strong convictions of the activist group repel any attempts at compromise.

Examples of repel in a Sentence

formal The new coating on the car's surface is designed to repel water and dirt.

informal I sprayed bug repellent on my skin to repel mosquitoes.

slang She has a magnetic personality that repels negativity.

figurative His arrogant attitude tends to repel people rather than attract them.

Grammatical Forms of repel

• past tense: repelled
• plural: repels
• comparative: more repelling
• superlative: most repelling
• present tense: repel
• future tense: will repel
• perfect tense: have repelled
• continuous tense: is repelling
• singular: repel
• positive degree: repel
• infinitive: to repel
• gerund: repelling
• participle: repelling

Origin and Evolution of repel

First Known Use: 0015 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'repel' originated from the Latin word 'repellere', which is a combination of the prefix 're-' meaning 'back' and 'pellere' meaning 'to drive'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'repel' has retained its original meaning of driving something back or away, but has also come to be used in a figurative sense to describe the act of causing aversion or disgust.