# repellent

/ɹɪˈpɛɫənt/ (US) · /ɹɪpˈɛlənt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/repellent
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a substance that keeps something away from you. In physics, it is a force that pushes two things apart instead of pulling them together.

For teachers: 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.