Reading Theme:
Repel Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：push away (repel)
repel
/rɪˈpɛl/
vt.
to push something away or keep it away, so they don't touch or come close.
push away
➕
/pʊʃ əˈweɪ/
vt.
To force something to move away or prevent it from approaching.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'repellere': 're-' (back) + 'pellere' (to drive).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a 'repel' spray that pushes bugs away.
📖 Example
You can see that the two positive ends of the magnets repel each other when you try to push them together.
You can see that the two positive ends of the magnets repel each other when you try to push them together.
🔗 Collocations
repel an attacker – to push back or resist an assailant
repel water – to cause water to bead up and not soak in
repel insects – to keep insects away
🔄 Synonyms
repulse (vt.) – to push back or reject
drive back (phrasal verb) – to force to retreat
ward off (phrasal verb) – to prevent something from coming near
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'repellere', meaning 'to drive back'. Used in physics for magnetic repulsion and in social contexts for aversion.
Meaning 2：disgust (repel)
repel
/rɪˈpɛl/
vt.
to make someone feel a strong dislike or make something very unappealing.
disgust
➕
/dɪsˈɡʌst/
vt.
To cause a strong feeling of dislike or aversion in someone.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
His arrogant attitude during the group discussion repelled many of his classmates who wanted to cooperate.
His arrogant attitude during the group discussion repelled many of his classmates who wanted to cooperate.
🔗 Collocations
repel someone – cause someone to feel disgust
repel the idea – make an idea seem unappealing
repel temptation – resist temptation
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
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