Repel Meaning
/ɹɪˈpɛl/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo turn (someone) away from a privilege, right, job, etc.
verbTo reject, put off (a request, demand etc.).
Sentence Examples
There are plants that repel insects.
The people could repel the invasion.
I call the living, I mourn the dead, I repel lightning.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new raincoat is designed to ____ water and keep the wearer dry.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The strong smell of the chemical was enough to ____ any insects from entering the storage area.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English repellen, a borrowing from Old French *repeller, from Latin repellere (“to drive back”), from re- (“back”) + pellere (“to drive”). Doublet of repeal.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It is some satisfaction to him that is repelled, that dignities, honours, offices, are not alwayes given by desert or worth, but for love, affinitie, friendship, affection, great mens letters, or as commonly they are bought and sold."
— 1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: […] John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC, partition II, section 3, member 7:
"In nearby Zintan, rebels repelled an advance by Gaddafi's forces, killing eight and taking one prisoner, a local activist said."
— 2011 May 19, Ian Traynor, The Guardian:
"However, while the idea of a free holiday appeals enormously, I am frankly repelled by the idea of spending a couple of weeks in your company."
— 2008 January 26, The Guardian:
"Arsenal pressed forward again after half-time but other than a venomous Walcott shot that Howard repelled with a fine one-handed save, the hosts offered little cutting edge."
— 2011 December 10, David Ornstein, “Arsenal 1-0 Everton”, in BBC Sport:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new raincoat is designed to ____ water and keep the wearer dry.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The strong smell of the chemical was enough to ____ any insects from entering the storage area.