repel
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Written by a house AI from the entry below, in your language. The entry itself is the source.
repel
- /ɹɪˈpɛl/
Rhymes with -ɛl
Where it comes from
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.
verb repels · repelling · repelled · repel
- 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.
- To reject, put off (a request, demand etc.).
- To ward off (a malignant influence, attack etc.).
- 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.
- To force away by means of a repulsive force.
- 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.
- 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.
