to drive or force back (an assailant, invader, etc.).

to thrust back or away.

to resist effectively (an attack, onslaught, etc.).

to keep off or out; fail to mix with

Water and oil repel each other.

to resist the absorption or passage of (water or other liquid)

This coat repels rain.

to refuse to have to do with; resist involvement in

to repel temptation.

to refuse to accept or admit; reject

to repel a suggestion.

to discourage the advances of (a person)

He repelled me with his harshness.

to cause distaste or aversion in

Their untidy appearance repelled us.

to push back or away by a force, as one body acting upon another ( opposed to attract )

The north pole of one magnet will repel the north pole of another.

to act with a force that drives or keeps away something.

to cause distaste or aversion.

verb

attract , draw

verb

beat back , beat off , brush off , buck , cast aside , chase away , check , confront , cool * , cut , decline , dismiss , disown , dispute , drive away , drive back , drive off , duel , fend off , fight , force back , force off , give cold shoulder to , hold back , hold off , keep at arm’s length , keep at bay , keep off , kick , knock down , oppose , parry , push back , put down , put to flight , rebuff , rebut , refuse , reject , resist , stand up against , stave off , traverse , turn down , ward off , withstand , disgust , give a pain in neck , make sick , offend , put off * , reluct , repulse , revolt , sicken , turn off * , turn one’s stomach , fend , nauseate , beat , combat , defend , deflect , scatter , spurn , stop