repel
Definitions
To drive back or force away an attack or enemy
击退；驱赶（进攻或敌人）
To keep something out or away (e.g. water, insects)
防、驱（如防水、驱虫）
To cause strong disgust or aversion in someone
使厌恶，使反感
(physics) To push apart, as like charges or magnets
（物理）排斥，相斥
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + pel (push) = push back. The army meaning is literal: drive the enemy back. From there it spreads — a surface 'pushes back' water so it can't soak in, and a person or smell 'pushes you back' emotionally, which is why repel also means to disgust. Physics keeps it literal: like charges repel.
Root pel still carries 52 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.repel an attack击退进攻
- 2.repel an invasion抵御入侵
- 3.repel insects驱除虫害
- 4.repel water防水排水
Example Sentences
- 1.
The defenders fought hard to repel the attack.
- 2.
This spray repels mosquitoes for up to eight hours.
- 3.
His arrogance repelled almost everyone he met.
- 4.
Two magnets with the same poles facing will repel each other.
Easily Confused
repel vs repulse — both mean 'drive back,' but repel is the everyday word for it (and for 'disgust' and the physics sense). repulse is more formal/literary and is now slightly old-fashioned for 'disgust.' Also note: repel water (keep it off) ≠ 'repel' an idea — for ideas use reject.