repel
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /rɪˈpɛl/
KK: /rɪˈpɛl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To drive something away or cause it to feel dislike or aversion.
Example
The strong smell of the garbage can repel many animals.
Tense Forms
Past: repelled
Past Participle: repelled
Conversation
Have you ever noticed how some odors really repel people?
Yeah, like those strong fishy smells at the market!
Exactly! It’s surprising what can repel someone so quickly.
Right? I try to avoid those places if I can.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
deter
disgust
repulse
Antonyms
attract
appeal
draw
transitive verb
Definition
To push something away or to cause someone to feel dislike or aversion.
Example
The strong smell of the garbage can repel many animals from coming near it.
Tense Forms
Past: repelled
Past Participle: repelled
Conversation
Did you know that some materials can repel water?
Really? I had no idea!
Yeah, like certain coatings on jackets help keep you dry by making water repel off.
Root Explanation
Repel is formed from "re-" (meaning back) and "pellere" (meaning to drive). The word describes the action of driving something back or away.
Memory Tip
Think of pushing something 'back' ('re-') — that's why repel means to drive something away.
Visually Confused Words
reel
respell
rephael
repanel
reimpel
revel
reuel
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