repel
/rɪˈpel/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈpel/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈpel/ (ame, mw)
repel — verb
- repelpresent simple I / you / we / they
- repelshe / she / it
- repelledpast simple
- repelling-ing form
1. to stop an attacker, unwanted person, or dangerous force from coming closer by u
to stop an attacker, unwanted person, or dangerous force from coming closer by using active resistance.
The army repelled the attack on the capital city using heavy weapons.
repel + attack / invasion / enemy / flood
Together, the villagers repelled the rushing floodwaters with sandbags and pumps.
The dog's loud barking repelled the stranger before he reached the front gate.
Sophie repelled the pushy salesperson by explaining she had no interest.
The small nation repelled every invasion during the war, surprising its larger neighbours.
- repulse
stronger, more violent pushing back; often used in military language
- drive back
phrasal verb, more informal and concrete
- fight off
suggests effort and struggle; more everyday
文法句型
repel + direct object (attack, enemy, invader, flood)
用法筆記
Commonly used in military or defensive contexts. The object is typically a concrete threat such as an attack, enemy, invader, or natural force. Not used for abstract ideas (use 'resist' instead).
常見錯誤
2. to prevent a liquid, dirt, or other material from passing through a surface or s
to prevent a liquid, dirt, or other material from passing through a surface or sticking to it.
This special coating repels both water and oil, keeping the surface perfectly dry.
repel + substance (water, oil, moisture, stains, dirt)
The raincoat's fabric repels rainwater so well that droplets simply roll off.
Thao sprayed a protector on her leather boots that repels mud and snow.
A wax finish on wooden furniture can repel spilled drinks before they leave stains.
Modern roof tiles are treated to repel moss and stop it from growing.
文法句型
repel + substance noun (water, oil, dirt, stains, moisture)
用法筆記
Almost always describes materials, surfaces, coatings, or fabrics. The subject is the protective layer, not a person. Frequently appears with 'water,' 'moisture,' 'oil,' 'stains,' and 'dirt.'
常見錯誤
3. to push something away through a magnetic or electrical force when both objects
to push something away through a magnetic or electrical force when both objects share the same charge or pole type.
When you hold two north poles together, the magnets repel each other with visible force.
repel each other / one another (mutual action)
In the lab, Yuki observed how identical electric charges always repel one another.
A hoverboard works because powerful magnets in its base repel the metal surface below.
Like magnetic poles repel, so two north-facing ends cannot be forced together.
Certain materials called diamagnets weakly repel magnetic fields when placed near a strong magnet.
- push apart
less formal, describes the result rather than the physical principle
- attract
pull together through magnetic or electrical force
文法句型
repel each other / one another
repel + direct object (magnet, particle, pole)
用法筆記
The opposite of 'attract' in magnetic and electrical contexts. Often appears in scientific writing. The verb can describe action in both directions (the magnets repel each other).
常見錯誤
4. to make someone feel strong dislike, disgust, or a wish to stay away from a pers
to make someone feel strong dislike, disgust, or a wish to stay away from a person, thing, or idea.
The smell of rotting fish repelled Mei so much that she left the kitchen.
repel + person (smells, sights, behaviour, ideas that disgust)
Violent scenes in movies repel many viewers, who close their eyes or look away.
Diego cannot stand raw meat — the thought of eating it repels him completely.
Fatima finds that aggressive behaviour in meetings repels her and hurts team spirit.
Cruel jokes and mean gossip repel most people, even when delivered in a light tone.
文法句型
X repels Y (Y is a person)
Y is repelled by X (passive)
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice ('I am repelled by...'). Subject can be a smell, sight, behaviour, idea, or person. Distinguish from sense 1 — this sense describes an emotional reaction, not a physical action.
常見錯誤
5. to firmly reject a person's offer, suggestion, or attempt to get closer, often i
to firmly reject a person's offer, suggestion, or attempt to get closer, often in a blunt or unfriendly manner.
The committee repelled the proposed changes, saying they failed to meet the requirements.
repel + suggestion / offer / advance / bid / criticism
Elena repelled every suggestion that she was too young for the management role.
The rival’s takeover bid was repelled by the company board after a heated debate.
Kwame repelled his rival's false accusations by presenting clear proof to the panel.
When a reporter asked personal questions, Grace repelled them with a firm no comment.
文法句型
repel + direct object (advances, suggestion, offer, criticism, takeover bid)
用法筆記
Stronger and more confrontational than 'reject' or 'refuse.' Implies the person rejects something decisively, almost pushing it away. Commonly used with 'advances,' 'criticism,' 'suggestions,' 'takeover bids.' Distinguish from sense 4 — this sense involves a deliberate decision to refuse, not an involuntary feeling of disgust.