repellent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral; most common in technical (insect repellent), descriptive, and critical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “repellent” mean?
Something that drives away or repulses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something that drives away or repulses; a substance that deters insects or other pests.
Causing strong distaste, disgust, or aversion; morally or physically offensive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK English often uses 'repellent' for both noun and adjective, though 'repellant' is an accepted variant, especially for the noun. US English strongly prefers 'repellent' for both.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in the context of commercial products (e.g., 'bug repellent').
Grammar
How to Use “repellent” in a Sentence
find + something/someone + repellent (adj.)be + repellent + to + someoneact as a repellent (noun) + against + somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “repellent” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new coating is designed to repel water effectively.
- Such crude behaviour will repel potential supporters.
American English
- This spray repels mosquitoes for up to eight hours.
- His hypocrisy repelled everyone in the room.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for outdoor/travel products (e.g., 'long-lasting insect repellent').
Academic
Used in ethics, sociology, or biology (e.g., 'The study examined the repellent effect of the chemical on larvae.').
Everyday
Talking about bugs, weatherproof clothing, or describing highly unpleasant people/actions.
Technical
Specific in chemistry, materials science (water-repellent coatings), and entomology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “repellent”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “repellent”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “repellent”
- Misspelling: 'repellant' (less common but acceptable for noun in UK). Confusing 'repellent' (adj/noun) with 'repel' (verb only). Using it for mild dislike instead of strong aversion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Repellent' is the standard spelling for both adjective and noun in modern English, especially in American usage. 'Repellant' is a less common variant, sometimes seen for the noun in British English.
Yes, but it is a strong term. It means the person's behaviour or character causes intense distaste or aversion (e.g., 'His cruelty made him repellent to others').
They are very close synonyms. 'Repellent' often emphasises the power to drive away, while 'repulsive' emphasises the force of causing disgust. In practice, they are often interchangeable.
No. 'Water-repellent' means treated to resist water absorption, causing water to bead up and roll off. It can withstand light rain. 'Waterproof' means impervious to water, even under pressure or prolonged exposure.
Something that drives away or repulses.
Repellent is usually formal to neutral; most common in technical (insect repellent), descriptive, and critical contexts. in register.
Repellent: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpel.ənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈpel.ənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A moral repellent (rare, figurative: something that deters through offensiveness).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REPEL + LENT. Something that LENDS you the power to REPEL bugs or unpleasantness.
Conceptual Metaphor
OFFENSIVENESS IS A REPELLING FORCE (His ideas were repellent to the committee).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'repellent' most commonly used as a noun?