repellent

1 of 2

adjective

re·​pel·​lent ri-ˈpe-lənt How to pronounce repellent (audio)
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

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
This is the family of about 15,000 chemicals used for their water repellent and oil repellent properties, such as in nonstick pans or fast food packaging. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2024 This mosquito repellent can provide up to 5,000 square feet of lawn coverage. Megan Newton, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2024
Noun
From repellents to lemon juice, here are a few simple ways to keep pests off your pumpkins. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024 That Is Right for You search tool to select products that contain different repellents. Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repellent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repellent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of repellent was in 1575

Dictionary Entries Near repellent

Cite this Entry

“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repellent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

repellent

1 of 2 adjective
re·​pel·​lent
variants also repellant
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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on repellent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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