Meaning & use
repels
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“repels” is a form of “repel”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Pushes or drives something away, especially by a physical force such as magnetism or by a smell or substance.
Grammar: Takes an object: this spray repels mosquitoes.
Patterns
- something repels something
This fabric repels water, so you stay dry in light rain.
A magnet repels another magnet when the same poles face each other.
The strong smell of garlic repels some insects.
verbtransitive
Fights off an attack or an advance by an enemy so that it fails.
Grammar: Takes an object: the army repels the invasion.
Patterns
- someone repels an attack
The garrison repels every assault on the gate.
Each time the team repels a challenge, its confidence grows.
verbtransitive
Causes strong dislike or disgust in someone.
Grammar: Takes a person as object: the smell repels me.
Patterns
- something repels someone
The idea of eating raw fish repels her.
His rude manner repels most of his colleagues.
Word forms
| base form | repel |
|---|---|
| past tense | repelled |
| -ing form | repelling |
Common combinations
- repels water
- The jacket repels water for hours.
- repels insects
- This lotion repels insects without a strong smell.
- repels an attack
- The fort repels an attack at dawn.
- repels customers
- A cluttered website repels customers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- drives away
- Drives away is plainer and more general, while repels often suggests a built-in force or property.
- disgusts
- Disgusts only covers the feeling of revulsion, not physical pushing away.
- resists
- Resists means to hold out against something, while repels means actively pushing it back.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: repels or compels?
repels vs compels
Compels means forces someone to do something; repels means pushes away.
Practice
A north pole of one magnet ___ the north pole of another magnet.
Choose one answer.
Like poles push apart, so repels fits. Attracts is the tempting choice but describes opposite poles.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “repels”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.