Word
repellent
Phoneticsre·pel·lent, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹɪˈpɛɫənt/
UK/ɹɪpˈɛlənt/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a substance that keeps something away from you. In physics, it is a force that pushes two things apart instead of pulling them together.
n. a substance or force that causes a physical or chemical reaction to drive something away. In physics, it refers to a force that acts to increase the distance between two objects.
Examples
“The strong smell of the insect repellent keeps the bugs away.”
“The chemical used as a mosquito repellent contains a substance that insects find unpleasant and avoid.”
Examples
simple
“The strong smell of the insect repellent keeps the bugs away.”
contextual
“The chemical used as a mosquito repellent contains a substance that insects find unpleasant and avoid.”
Real-World Examples
“During periods of drought, ground can become very hard and compacted, which can make it more water repellent and increase run off.” “It is quite the story – equally repellent and engrossing – but how should it be told?” Etymology
From Latin repellēns. Equivalent to repel + -ent.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/repellent