repellent

1 of 2

adjective

re·​pel·​lent ri-ˈpe-lənt 

variants or less commonly repellant

1

: serving or tending to drive away or ward off

—often used in combination

a mosquito-repellent spray

2

: arousing aversion or disgust : repulsive

repellently adverb

repellent

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly repellant

: something that repels

especially : a substance that repels insects

Synonyms of repellent

Adjective

• disgusting
• ugly
• awful
• horrible
• sickening
• obnoxious
• hideous
• shocking
• offensive
• obscene
• dreadful
• nasty

Examples of repellent in a Sentence

Adjective

The candle has a repellent effect on insects.

your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore

Noun

a can of insect repellent

Coat the exterior with a water repellent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

So what about the testimonials that mosquito repellent patch brands boast on their websites? — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Rarely exhibited and here remade with another Trans Am as MBD_Trans Am (2026), the piece is paired with an ominous booming sound that is both alluring and repellent. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Noun

As West Nile virus concerns rise, some parents are turning to mosquito repellent patches — made with essential oils — for easy bite prevention. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

When hiking or paddling, always head out with a buddy, a plan, a map, bug repellent, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, snacks and plenty of water. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin repellent-, repellens, present participle of repellere "to push away, drive back, fend off" — more at repel

Noun

derivative of repellent entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1583, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing repellent

• shark repellent
• water-repellent

Rhymes for repellent

• appellant
• libellant
• propellant
• repellant

Kids Definition

repellent

1 of 2 adjective

re·​pel·​lent

variants also repellant

ri-ˈpel-ənt 

1

: serving or tending to drive away

—often used in combination

a water-repellent jacket

2

: causing disgust

repellently adverb

repellent

2 of 2 noun

variants also repellant

: something that repels

especially : a substance used to keep off pests (as insects)

Medical Definition

repellent

1 of 2 adjective

re·​pel·​lent

variants also repellant

ri-ˈpel-ənt 

: serving or tending to drive away or ward off

—often used in combination

a mosquito-repellent spray

repellent

2 of 2 noun

variants also repellant

: something that repels

especially : a substance used to prevent insect attacks

Legal Definition

repellent

noun

re·​pel·​lent

ri-ˈpe-lənt

: a method used to avoid or discourage a hostile corporate takeover