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

However, because onions and leeks are naturally repellent to most pests, they can usually be grown together without any issues. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026

All of this is repellent to today’s Republican base, and anyone who has observed the past decade of American politics might have assumed that Rubio’s future political aspirations were DOA. —Sarah Longwell, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026

Noun

Rampant mosquitoes are new to Southern California, and people are unsure of how to deal with them, but the hotel’s discreet insect-repellent plug-ins are a thoughtful touch that ensures a great night’s sleep. —Priyanka Mattoo, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026

Because of this, they’re considered more of a repellent, and owners like to use them as a secondary line of defense or to provide short-term relief. —Jessie Quinn, USA Today, 10 May 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