repels; repelled; repelling
1
: to keep (something) out or away
a fabric that repels water
The candle repels insects.
2
: to force (an enemy, attacker, etc.) to stop an attack and turn away
Their superior forces repelled the invasion.
3
physics
: to force (something) to move away or apart
one electron repelling another
Two positive electrical charges repel each other.
Magnets can both repel and attract one another.
4
: to cause (someone) to feel disgust
Everyone was repelled [=repulsed] by the sight.
Cite this Entry
“Repel.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/repel. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
