Repellent: meaning, definitions and examples
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repellent
[ rɪˈpɛlənt ]
mosquitoes
Serving or tending to drive away or ward off mosquitoes.
Synonyms
disgusting, off-putting, repulsive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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repellent |
Use this word when referring to something that causes strong aversion or pushes others away, often used for bugs or insects.
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repulsive |
This word is suited for describing something that causes strong feelings of disgust or aversion. It is often more intense and negative than 'off-putting'.
|
off-putting |
Use this word to describe something that is mildly unpleasant or discourages interest, usually in a less intense manner than 'disgusting' or 'repulsive'.
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disgusting |
This word is best used to describe something that causes strong feelings of horror or revulsion. It is often used in everyday situations with a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The mosquito repellent spray kept the insects away during our camping trip.
- She applied a generous amount of repellent lotion to avoid mosquito bites.
insect
A substance used to repel insects, especially mosquitoes.
Synonyms
bug spray, insect repellent, mosquito repellent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
repellent |
Same as the first entry for repellent. Typically, it can be redundant to have double entries unless distinct nuances are explored.
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insect repellent |
A more formal and specific term for products that keep insects away. This term could be used in a scientific or clinical context or when a broader term is needed.
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bug spray |
Commonly used when referring to a spray product specifically designed to keep away or kill bugs. It's most likely used in informal settings or everyday conversations.
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mosquito repellent |
Used specifically when the primary target is mosquitoes. It's often seen in product labeling and advertising and is suitable for conversations centered on mosquito issues.
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Examples of usage
- She always carries insect repellent when hiking in the woods.
- The repellent was effective in keeping the bugs away from the picnic area.
Translations
Translations of the word "repellent" in other languages:
🇵🇹 repelente
🇮🇳 प्रतिरोधक
🇩🇪 Abwehrmittel
🇮🇩 penolak
🇺🇦 репелент
🇵🇱 środek odstraszający
🇯🇵 忌避剤 (きひざい)
🇫🇷 répulsif
🇪🇸 repelente
🇹🇷 kovucu
🇰🇷 방충제
🇸🇦 طارد
🇨🇿 repelent
🇸🇰 repelent
🇨🇳 驱虫剂 (qū chóng jì)
🇸🇮 repelent
🇮🇸 fráhrindandi
🇰🇿 репеллент
🇬🇪 გამაფრთხილებელი
🇦🇿 qoruyucu
🇲🇽 repelente
Etymology
The word 'repellent' originated from the Latin word 'repellent-', meaning 'driving back'. It was first recorded in the mid-15th century. The use of repellents to ward off insects like mosquitoes has been a common practice throughout history, with various natural and chemical substances used for this purpose.
See also: repellence, repellency.