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1

repellent

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adjective re·pel·lent \ri-ˈpe-lənt\
variants: or less commonly

repellant

Definition of repellent

  1. 1 :  serving or tending to drive away or ward off —often used in combination a mosquito-repellent spray

  2. 2 :  arousing aversion or disgust :  repulsive

repellently

adverb

See repellent defined for English-language learners

See repellent defined for kids

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Examples of repellent in a Sentence

  1. The candle has a repellent effect on insects.

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

Origin and Etymology of repellent

Latin repellent-, repellens, present participle of repellere


First Known Use: 1575

repellent Synonyms

Synonyms
abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, rancid, offensive (also repellant), repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly
Antonyms
innocuous, inoffensive
Related Words
exceptionable, objectionable; brackish, disagreeable, dislikable (also dislikeable), unpleasant; contemptible, despicable, detestable, hard, hateful; unhealthy, unsavory, unwholesome; execrable, lousy, miserable; atrocious, frightful, ghastly, grim, grisly, gruesome (also grewsome), heinous, horrendous, horrific, horrifying, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, sick, sickish, sickly, terrible, unspeakable, vile; off-putting, undesirable, unwanted, unwelcome; barbarous, unchristian, uncivilized, ungodly, unholy; distressing, disturbing, upsetting
Near Antonyms
acceptable, agreeable, alluring, appealing, attractive, blessed (also blest), congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, desirable, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, gratifying, heavenly, inviting, likable (or likeable), luscious, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, welcome; unexceptionable, unobjectionable; healthful, healthy, restorative, salubrious, salutary, wholesome
2

repellent

noun re·pel·lent
variants: or less commonly

repellant

Definition of repellent

  1. :  something that repels; especially :  a substance that repels insects

See repellent defined for English-language learners

Examples of repellent in a Sentence

  1. a can of insect repellent

  2. Coat the exterior with a water repellent.

1583

First Known Use of repellent

1583

REPELLENT Defined for English Language Learners

repellent

play
adjective

Definition of repellent for English Language Learners

  • : keeping something out or away

  • : causing someone to feel disgust

repellent

noun

Definition of repellent for English Language Learners

  • : a substance that is used to keep something out or away

REPELLENT Defined for Kids

repellent

play
noun re·pel·lent \ri-ˈpe-lənt\

Definition of repellent for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

1

repellent

adjective re·pel·lent
variants: also

repellant

\ri-ˈpel-ənt\play

Medical Definition of repellent

  1. :  serving or tending to drive away or ward off—often used in combination a mosquito-repellent spray

2

repellent

noun re·pel·lent
variants: also

repellant

Medical Definition of repellent

  1. :  something that repels; especially :  a substance used to prevent insect attacks

Law Dictionary

repellent

noun re·pel·lent \ri-ˈpe-lənt\

Legal Definition of repellent

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

Learn More about repellent

  1. See words that rhyme with repellent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for repellent Spanish Central: Translation of repellent Nglish: Translation of repellent for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about repellent

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Examples: repellent in a Sentence