repel

Everyday

1. To repel something is to push it away or keep it away. tree →
2. In science, two magnets repel when their same poles (north–north or south–south) push each other apart. tree →
3. To repel can also mean to make someone feel disgusted. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on magnets: like poles repel, unlike poles attract. In everyday safety, insect repellent spray keeps mosquitoes away; waterproof coats repel water. Phrases: «repel insects», «magnets repel», «water-repellent».

Examples

• Two north poles of magnets repel each other. tree →
• This spray repels mosquitoes. tree →
• A raincoat repels water. tree →
• The castle walls repelled the attackers. tree →
• The smell of the rotten fish repelled everyone. tree →
• Try to push two magnets together — feel how they repel! tree →
• When, therefore, they sighted the Argo from afar they armed themselves and rushed to the shore, determined to repel any invasion of their territory. tree →

Note

Past: «repelled», «repelling» (double l). Noun/adjective: «repellent» (insect repellent). Opposite: «attract». Rule: same poles repel, opposite poles attract.