repel
B2Formal and Technical. Common in military, scientific, and descriptive contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To drive back, ward off, or force away an attack, advance, or unwelcome thing.
To cause strong dislike, aversion, or disgust; to resist mixing with or being penetrated by (e.g., water).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an active force or property that pushes back against something, whether physical (an attack) or abstract (an idea). Can describe both literal physical repulsion and figurative emotional revulsion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal semantic difference. 'Repel' is equally common in both varieties for all core meanings.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in everyday contexts for both. In UK English, might be slightly more anticipated in military/historical contexts (e.g., 'repel boarders').
Frequency
Similar frequency. The adjective 'repellent' (UK) / 'repellant' (less common variant, US) follows the noun.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] repels [Object][Subject] is designed to repel [Object][Subject] has the ability to repel [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like poles repel (each other).”
- “To repel boarders (nautical/military).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company's strong brand loyalty repels competitors' attempts to gain market share.
Academic
The hydrophobic tails of the phospholipid molecule repel water.
Everyday
This new spray is supposed to repel mosquitoes.
Technical
The electrostatic charge causes the two surfaces to repel one another.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The garrison was ordered to repel the attackers at all costs.
- A good wax will repel rain for several months.
- His arrogant manner repels people.
American English
- The new paint is designed to repel graffiti.
- The defense repelled every offensive drive in the fourth quarter.
- Opposite charges attract, like charges repel.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Use 'repellently'). He smiled repellently.
American English
- N/A (Use 'repellently'). The substance is repellently sticky.
adjective
British English
- N/A (Use 'repellent'). The repellent smell kept animals away.
American English
- N/A (Use 'repellent' or 'repellant'). She found his ideas morally repellent.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This jacket can repel water.
- The two magnets repelled each other.
- The soldiers worked together to repel the invasion.
- Citronella candles are used to repel mosquitoes.
- The government's forceful statement helped to repel criticisms from the opposition.
- The fabric has been treated with a chemical to repel stains.
- Her fierce integrity repelled any attempt at corruption.
- The novel's deliberately opaque style may repel casual readers but rewards perseverance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-PEL: to PEL (push) something back RE- (again/away). Like a magnet PELling away another similar pole.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE FORCES (His argument repelled all criticism). UNWANTED THINGS ARE INTRUDERS/ATTACKERS (The lotion repels insects).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'отражать' in the sense of mirroring/reflecting light ('reflect').
- Not 'отвращать' which is broader for 'avert'/'prevent'; 'repel' is more active pushing back.
- Closer to 'отталкивать' (physically push away) or 'отбивать' (an attack).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'repel' with 'repellent' (the adjective/noun). (INCORRECT: 'It's very repel.' CORRECT: 'It's very repellent.')
- Using it for gentle discouragement instead of active repulsion. (WEAK: 'She repelled his invitation to coffee.')
- Misspelling as 'reppel'.
Practice
Quiz
In a scientific context, 'repel' is most accurately used to describe:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often synonyms for driving back attacks or causing disgust. 'Repulse' is more formal and forceful in the 'disgust' sense. Only 'repel' is used for scientific/physical forces (magnets, water).
Yes, but carefully. 'His behaviour repelled her' means it caused strong aversion/disgust. It is stronger than 'put off' or 'discouraged'.
Yes, all come from Latin 'pellere' (to drive). 'Re-pel' = drive back, 'com-pel' = drive together (force), 'im-pel' = drive forward (propel).
Repulsion (the act/force of repelling) or repellent (a substance that repels).