repel
UK: rɪˈpel | US: rɪˈpel
vt. to drive or force back (an attacker or attack)
vt. to cause disgust or aversion in someone
vt. (physics) to exert a force that pushes something away
repel = re<back> + pel<push>
- re: A Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again," indicating reversal or opposition.
- pel: Derived from Latin pellere ("to push, drive"), this root appears in words like compel (push together) and expel (push out).
Etymology Origin:
The word repel originates from Latin repellere, combining re- (back) and pellere (to push). It originally described physically driving something backward (e.g., repelling an invasion). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to include abstract "pushing away," such as repelling advances or causing disgust. The scientific sense (e.g., magnetic repulsion) emerged later, aligning with the core idea of opposing forces.
The army managed to repel the enemy forces.
His arrogant attitude repels potential friends.
Similar magnetic poles repel each other.
The spray is designed to repel mosquitoes.
She used humor to repel criticism gracefully.