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

This textured surface becomes superhydrophobic, allowing it to strongly repel water and remain dry.

From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2026

President Zelensky said Ukraine had received missiles to repel the overnight attack on Monday, and added they had helped significantly.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

Augurey feathers are useless as quills because they repel ink.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling

repel

Example Sentences

Related Words