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
The result is both tedious and repellent, a shame given how much mindless fun Prime Target might otherwise have been. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025 Hillsides are vulnerable to landslides after wildfires because the fires make the soils repellent to water, and instead of being absorbed, rain flows downhill and picks up rock and debris. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
For the best protection, choose repellents with at least 25 percent DEET or Picaridin (a less greasy alternative) for long-lasting protection (unfortunately most natural products, unless made specifically for Australia, won’t work). Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2025 Bug bites can be avoided with protective clothing and baby-safe insect repellent. Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repellent. Accessed 9 Mar. 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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