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Definitions

repel

[ri-pel] / rɪˈpɛl /
VERB
push away; repulse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chase away confront drive away drive off fend off hold off rebuff resist ward off withstand
STRONG
buck check cool cut decline dismiss disown dispute duel fight kick oppose parry rebut refuse reject traverse
WEAK
beat back beat off brush off cast aside drive back force back force off give cold shoulder to hold back keep at arm's length keep at bay keep off knock down push back put down put to flight stand up against stave off turn down
Antonyms
STRONG
accept agree aid allow approve assist help increase sanction support
WEAK
attract draw
VERB
induce aversion
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disgust offend repulse sicken turn off
STRONG
revolt
WEAK
give a pain in neck make sick put off reluct turn one's stomach
Antonyms
STRONGEST
appeal enchant please
WEAK
attract draw

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

No longer could the Politburo rely on centuries-old doctrine of strategic withdrawal from the periphery to the interior, seeking better ground from which to repel an invader.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

“So 6,475 strike behaves like kryptonite for the market; it can repel price from above and below,” Kizemchuck said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 28, 2026

He also accused Ukraine of using "increasingly sophisticated attack methods" and said that "more technologically advanced countermeasures are needed" to repel them.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Rasmussen hopes to work with companies to understand if audio devices could be designed that would repel hedgehogs from cars, lawn mowers or strimmers.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Then they jump from their horses, and turn at the rail to watch as others repel their pursuer.

From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks

Vocabulary lists containing repel

Electricity and Magnetism - Introductory

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Physics - Introductory

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Our America

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