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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Using insect repellent while camping, hiking or working outdoors can also help to prevent plague exposure. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Tucking the most repellent plants, such as alliums and herbs, around more attractive species can even help protect other plants in the garden. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
But the Mayo Clinic recommends that people living in high-risk places take a number of steps to protect themselves, including using netting with insecticide over their bed, using insecticides to kill insects inside their home, and using insect repellent on their body. Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 Sep. 2025 In addition to guarding against mosquito bites by using insect repellent outdoors and wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants, eliminating all sources of standing water on properties where mosquitoes can reproduce is the preferred way to limit West Nile risk. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repellent

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repellent. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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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