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

Adjective

• disgusting
• obnoxious
• ugly
• awful
• horrible
• sickening
• offensive
• hideous
• nasty
• gross

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

He was arrested for assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a noxious chemical — bear repellent in a clear container adorned with a picture of a bear. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025

The vector control district recommends using an insect repellent when doing outdoor activities to help prevent West Nile spread. —Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2025

Noun

Officials recommended that residents choose bug repellents endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency and drain stagnant water to fend off the breeding of infected mosquitoes. —Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2025

Kate McLeod Dusk Stone Natural Insect Repellent & Solid Body Lotion Bar $38 at Nordstrom $38 at Sephora Doing double duty as a powerful moisturizer and natural insect repellent, the Kate McLeod Dusk Stone is a must-have for traveling during the spring and summer. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025

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