repel

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   force or drive back

   repel the attacker

2. 2
   verb

   cause to move back by force or influence

   repel the enemy

3. 3
   verb

   To turn (someone) away from a privilege, right, job, etc.

   It is some satisfaction to him that is repelled, that dignities, honours, offices, are not alwayes given by desert or worth, but for love, affinitie, friendship, affection, great mens letters, or as commonly they are bought and sold.

4. 4
   verb

   To drive back (an assailant, advancing force etc.).

   In nearby Zintan, rebels repelled an advance by Gaddafi's forces, killing eight and taking one prisoner, a local activist said.

5. 5
   verb

   To cause repulsion or dislike in; to disgust.

   However, while the idea of a free holiday appeals enormously, I am frankly repelled by the idea of spending a couple of weeks in your company.

6. 6
   verb

   To save (a shot).

   Arsenal pressed forward again after half-time but other than a venomous Walcott shot that Howard repelled with a fine one-handed save, the hosts offered little cutting edge.

7. 7
   verb

   reject outright and bluntly

8. 8
   verb

   be repellent to

Etymology

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.