repellent

1 of 2

adjective

re·​pel·​lent ri-ˈpe-lənt How to pronounce repellent (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
At tropical destinations or areas with high rates of illnesses transmitted by mosquitos, use insect repellent and consider mosquito nets, Robinson says. Gary Stoller, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 In New York, Hochul called on state agencies to increase access to bug repellent across state parks and facilities, as well as increase public outreach about the disease. Solcyré Burga, TIME, 24 Sep. 2024
Noun
It can be found in water repellents, silicone lubricants, spot removers, wood cleaners and glues. Jen Christensen, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024 And the benefits of using repellents likely outweigh the risks. Kristin Canning, WIRED, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repellent 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of repellent was in 1575

Dictionary Entries Near repellent

Cite this Entry

“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repellent. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

repellent

1 of 2 adjective
re·​pel·​lent
variants also repellant
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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on repellent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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