repellent

1 of 2

adjective

re·​pel·​lent ri-ˈpe-lənt 

variants or less commonly repellant

1

: serving or tending to drive away or ward off

—often used in combination

a mosquito-repellent spray

2

: arousing aversion or disgust : repulsive

repellently adverb

repellent

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly repellant

: something that repels

especially : a substance that repels insects

Synonyms

Adjective

• abhorrent
• abominable
• appalling
• awful
• disgusting
• distasteful
• dreadful
• evil
• foul
• fulsome
• gross
• hideous
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrid
• loathsome
• nasty
• nauseating
• nauseous
• noisome
• noxious
• obnoxious
• obscene
• odious
• offensive
• rancid
• repugnant
• repulsive
• revolting
• scandalous
• shocking
• sickening
• ugly

Examples of repellent in a Sentence

Adjective

The candle has a repellent effect on insects.

your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore

Noun

a can of insect repellent

Coat the exterior with a water repellent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

An article posted on the Whole Dog Journal website recommended using non-toxic bee and insect repellent to reduce the amount of bugs flying around that could trigger your dog. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

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. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2024

Noun

Just keep in mind that deer repellents need to be reapplied throughout the season and after heavy rains to be effective. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024

If the smell of other repellents bothers you, this may be a better option. —Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin repellent-, repellens, present participle of repellere "to push away, drive back, fend off" — more at repel

Noun

derivative of repellent entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1583, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing repellent

• shark repellent
• water-repellent

Kids Definition

repellent

1 of 2 adjective

re·​pel·​lent

variants also repellant

ri-ˈpel-ənt 

1

: serving or tending to drive away

—often used in combination

a water-repellent jacket

2

: causing disgust

repellently adverb

repellent

2 of 2 noun

variants also repellant

: something that repels

especially : a substance used to keep off pests (as insects)

Medical Definition

repellent

1 of 2 adjective

re·​pel·​lent

variants also repellant

ri-ˈpel-ənt 

: serving or tending to drive away or ward off

—often used in combination

a mosquito-repellent spray

repellent

2 of 2 noun

variants also repellant

: something that repels

especially : a substance used to prevent insect attacks

Legal Definition

repellent

noun

re·​pel·​lent

ri-ˈpe-lənt

: a method used to avoid or discourage a hostile corporate takeover