Apply Insect Repellent: Meaning, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：put on bug spray (Apply insect repellent to avoid bug bites)

Apply insect repellent to avoid bug bites 🔊

/əˈplaɪ ɪnˈsɛkt rɪˈpɛlənt tuː əˈvɔɪd bʌɡ baɪts/

phr.

To put a special lotion or spray on your skin or clothes so that insects like mosquitoes won't bite you.

Applying insect repellent spray on arm to avoid bites

put on bug spray 🔊

➕

/ˈpʊt ɒn bʌɡ spreɪ/

phr.

To spread or spray a substance on skin or clothes to stop insects from biting.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'applicare' (to attach) + 'insectum' (insect) + 'repellere' (to drive back).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine you 'apply' mosquito cream to 'repel' bugs, so they can't 'bite' you.

📖 Example

Before we start the hike, apply insect repellent to avoid bug bites, especially on your ankles and wrists. 🔊 Before we start the hike, apply insect repellent to avoid bug bites, especially on your ankles and wrists.

🔗 Collocations

apply insect repellent to skin – put bug spray on your skin

use mosquito repellent – employ a product to keep mosquitoes away

spray on exposed areas – apply the repellent to uncovered skin parts

🔄 Synonyms

use bug spray (phr.) – To utilize an insect repellent product.

douse with repellent (phr.) – To cover liberally with a substance that discourages insects.

🚫 Antonyms

attract insects (phr.) – To draw bugs towards you, opposite of repelling.

🌱 Derivatives

repellent (n.) – A substance that keeps insects away.

📖 Cultural Story

Natural repellents like citronella have been used for centuries. Modern DEET-based formulas were developed during WWII for jungle warfare.