repel

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To drive back or force away an attacker or advancing force.

   The soldiers managed to repel the enemy assault.

2. 2
   verb

   To cause strong dislike or disgust in someone.

   The smell from the bins repelled everyone who walked past.

3. 3
   verb

   To push something away by a physical force.

   This spray is designed to repel mosquitoes.

From Middle English repellen, a borrowing from Old French *repeller, from Latin repellere (“to drive back”), from re- (“back”) + pellere (“to drive”). Doublet of repeal.

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