Words / C1

ri-PEL/rɪˈpel/

To repel is to drive back an attack, to disgust, or (physics) to push away: repel an assault, a smell that repels. Attract sits opposite; a locked fire door fails an inspection faster than a plain cover.

Meaning

To drive back an attack; also to cause a feeling of disgust, or to push away (physics).

Examples

• “A locked fire door will repel an inspector faster than a plain cover.”
• “Drive back is everyday. Disgust is the feeling sense. A cover is design. An exit must open. Unlock the door; then worry about the paint.”

Good to know

Drive back / disgust / push away. Opposite: attract. A locked exit fails faster than a plain cover.

Near in meaning

drive back

New