Entry Word: repel

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to drive back <the defenders repelled the attacking army after several hours of fierce fighting>

Synonyms fend (off), repulse, stave off

Related Words hold off, resist, withstand; deflect, ward (off); rebuff, snub, spurn

Near Antonyms welcome

2 to cause to feel disgust <the idea of chocolate-covered grasshoppers repels me> — see disgust
3 to refuse to give in to <repelled the temptation to stay out late and call in sick the next day> — see resist