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Repelling Meaning: Definition and Examples

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repelling

[rɪˈpɛlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical force

Repelling means to drive away or force back an object or an individual. It can refer to the action of pushing something away with a physical force or to causing feelings of aversion.

Synonyms

driving away, pushing back, rejecting.

Examples of usage

  • The magnets are repelling each other.
  • His rude behavior was repelling her.
  • The spray is capable of repelling insects.
  • Her negative attitude repelled many of her friends.
Context #2 | Adjective

undesirable quality

As an adjective, repelling describes something that is unpleasant or offensive, causing others to withdraw or feel an aversion.

Synonyms

disgusting, offensive, unpleasant.

Examples of usage

  • The repelling smell of garbage filled the air.
  • His repelling comments led to an awkward silence.
  • The repelling behavior of the character made the audience dislike him.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, repelling can refer to the force that two like magnetic poles exert on each other; they push away instead of attracting.
  • Repelling forces play a crucial role in many scientific fields, including chemistry, where certain molecules repel each other.
  • In biology, some species develop repelling traits—like the skunk's spray—to deter predators.

Psychology

  • Repelling emotions such as fear or disgust can influence decisions and social interactions.
  • Research shows that individuals may repel activities that remind them of past negative experiences.
  • The concept of 'repelling' can also relate to interpersonal dynamics, where people might feel averse to others based on certain traits or behaviors.

Pop Culture

  • Repelling imagery is often used in horror films to create tension and discomfort in viewers.
  • In literature, characters may repel others through their actions or beliefs, leading to conflict and drama.
  • The concept of repulsion is popular in sci-fi, where futuristic technologies often showcase repelling forces in transportation or weaponry.

Art

  • Artists often depict repelling emotions through contrasting colors and harsh lines, representing conflict.
  • In installations, art that uses space to create feelings of repulsion can challenge viewers to question their comfort zones.
  • In literature, repelling characters can be powerful tools for exploring themes of morality and societal norms.

Origin of 'repelling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'repellere', which means 'to drive back'.
  • It has roots in the Latin words 're-' meaning 'back' and 'pellere' meaning 'to drive'.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, originally in a physical context.

The term 'repelling' is derived from the Latin word 'repellere', which means 'to drive back or push away'. This Latin term is a combination of 're-', meaning 'back', and 'pellere', meaning 'to drive or push'. Its usage can be traced back to the early 15th century in the English language, originating from the Old French word 'repeler'. As the word evolved, it began to encompass not only the physical act of pushing away but also the emotional or psychological aspect of causing aversion or distaste. Over time, 'repelling' has become associated with various contexts, including science (such as magnetism) and social interactions, indicating something that provokes a strong dislike or rejection.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,050, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.