repel

repel

verb

Definition of REPEL

1

to drive back <the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting>

Synonyms beat off, fend (off), rebut, repulse, stave off, turn away, turn back

Related Words defy, fight, hold off, oppose, resist, stand off, withstand; deflect, ward (off); rebuff, snub, spurn

Near Antonyms embrace, hail, welcome

2

to cause to feel disgust <the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me>

Synonyms gross out, nauseate, put off, repel, repulse, revolt, sicken, turn off

Related Words displease, distress; appall (also appal), disquiet, horrify; affront, insult, offend, outrage, shock

Near Antonyms allure, attract, beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, disarm, draw, enchant, entice, fascinate, lure, pull, seduce, tempt; delight, gratify, please, rejoice, tickle; enrapture, enthrall (or enthral), entrance; appeal (to), interest, intrigue

3

to refuse to give in to <repelled the temptation to stay out late and call in sick the next day>

Synonyms buck, defy, fight, oppose, repel, withstand

Related Words battle, combat, contend (with); challenge, contest, contradict, dispute; baffle, balk, foil, frustrate, thwart; check, counter, hinder, obstruct, stem

Antonyms bow (to), capitulate (to), give in (to), knuckle under (to), stoop (to), submit (to), succumb (to), surrender (to), yield (to)