repellent

or re·pel·lant

[ ri-pel-uhnt ]

adjective

1. causing distaste or aversion; repulsive.

   Synonyms: loathsome, distasteful, disgusting, repugnant

2. forcing or driving back.
3. serving or tending to ward off or drive away.
4. impervious or resistant to something (often used in combination):

   moth-repellant.

noun

1. something that repels, as a substance that keeps away insects.
2. a medicine that serves to prevent or reduce swellings, tumors, etc.
3. any of various durable or nondurable solutions applied to a fabric, garment, surface, etc., to increase its resistance, as to water, moths, mildew, etc.

repellent

/ rɪˈpɛlənt /

adjective

1. giving rise to disgust or aversion; distasteful or repulsive
2. driving or forcing away or back; repelling

noun

1. something, esp a chemical substance, that repels

   insect repellent

2. a substance with which fabrics are treated to increase their resistance to water

Derived Forms

• reˈpellently, adverb
• reˈpellence, noun

Other Words From

• re·pellent·ly adverb
• inter·re·pellent adjective
• nonre·pellent adjective
• self-re·pellent adjective
• unre·pellent adjective
• unre·pellent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of repellent¹

1635–45; < Latin repellent- (stem of repellēns ), present participle of repellere to drive back. See repel, -ent

Example Sentences

“We *want* remain pass less and will continue to wear our man repellent vision helpers, mostly so we can function, but also bc of the bonus Creeper Deterrents. #jeopardy #foureyes,” another wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

All that is repellent in oneself and one’s tribe is projected onto a devalued other.

From Salon

“While the widespread transmission of dengue remains low, we do urge residents ... to take simple steps to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. These include using insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites,” L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

This includes using insect repellent, getting rid of items that hold standing water around the home — such as flowerpots and bird baths — and using screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out.

From Los Angeles Times

This is the family of about 15,000 chemicals used for their water repellent and oil repellent properties, such as in nonstick pans or fast food packaging.

From Los Angeles Times