Repel: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a forceful action to keep something away, often in a physical sense, but can also refer to emotional or mental repulsion.

• The fortress was built to repel invaders.
• Her strong personality seemed to repel any potential friends.

Often used in a military context or other situations where a force is actively returned to its original position.

• The army managed to drive back the invading forces.
• The police drove back the protesters with tear gas.

Typically used in non-military contexts to explain resisting or delaying an action or event.

• They had to push back the meeting due to scheduling conflicts.
• The citizens pushed back against the new policy changes.

Used to describe preventing or protecting oneself from something harmful or undesirable.

• She wore a special amulet to ward off evil spirits.
• Eating garlic is believed to ward off colds.

To withstand the action or effect of something; often used in broader and more abstract contexts, such as emotional or intellectual resistance.

• He tried to resist the temptation to eat chocolate.
• The community resisted the changes proposed by the city council.

Used to express a strong distaste or revulsion, usually in reaction to something unpleasant or offensive; has a negative connotation.

• The rotten smell was enough to disgust anyone.
• I was disgusted by his rude behavior.