repel
v.v. to push something away or keep it at a distance. You use this when magnets push each other apart or when a chemical keeps insects away.
v. to drive or force back an attacker or an object; to exert a force that tends to push an object away. Often describes the interaction between like magnetic poles or the action of a substance that resists absorption.
This spray helps to repel mosquitoes for several hours.
The north poles of two magnets will repel each other if you try to bring them together.
The specialized coating on the fabric is designed to repel water and oil, ensuring that the garment remains dry and stain-free even in harsh outdoor conditions.
From Middle English repellen, a borrowing from Old French *repeller, from Latin repellere (“to drive back”), from re- (“back”) + pellere (“to drive”). Doublet of repeal.
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; in physics contexts, it is often used with 'each other'.
The magnet repels from the otherThe magnet repels the otherRepel is transitive and does not require the preposition 'from' when describing the act of pushing something away.