to repel

Examples

• All

• A further detail was meant to repel any attempts at eviction.

  Academic text (1999)

• We repel suspicion through our actions.

  Blog text (27)

• But we've been taught that it's OK to repel money, to speak against it.

• But our own Socialist masters ignored each request to forestall or repel crafted lies.

  Blog text (6)

• Hawass told Ahram Online that the first order of the day is to repel the 500 encroachments on archaeological sites that have been found within the past two weeks, as well as the resumption of projects that were on hold due to the revolution.

  Blog text (4)

• She decided to repel his advances by clearly stating her disinterest.

• To maintain order, the teacher had to repel the disruptive behavior of the students.

Synonyms

R

to refuse

vsto repel

∞ 1.7

To say no to a request or offer

is more blunt and abrupt than simply saying no in many cases

R

to reject

vsto repel

760 1.9

Refuse to accept someone or something

is blunt and abrupt in tone rather than neutral refusal

D

to deny

vsto repel

661 1.6

To refuse to let someone have something

is an openly blunt rejection rather than merely refusing supply or permission

T

to turn down

vsto repel

373 2.9

Refuse an offer, invitation, or request

is blunt and abrupt rather than the routine or polite refusal

D

to decline

vsto repel

334 3.4

To say no politely to an offer or invitation

is blunt and abrupt rather than a polite or formal refusal

S

to shun

vsto repel

72 4.6

To avoid someone or something and refuse to meet and speak to them on purpose

is a sudden blunt refusal rather than a long term avoidance

P

to push away

vsto repel

66 3.2

To stop other people from getting close to you emotionally

is a blunt, abrupt refusal in the moment rather than gradual distancing

T

to turn away from

vsto repel

65 3.7

To refuse to have anything to do with someone or something

is an immediate blunt rejection rather than a deliberate ongoing avoidance

S

to shoot down

vsto repel

• Informal

35 3.8

Say no to an idea or plan in a sudden, strong way

is used for blunt refusal of people or things, not only ideas

R

to repudiate

vsto repel

• Formal

31 8.2

To refuse to accept or be linked to something

is blunt and abrupt in everyday speech rather than formal denial

S

to snub

vsto repel

28 6.3

To ignore someone on purpose to show disrespect

is blunt or abrupt without necessarily showing that open disrespect

R

to rebuff

vsto repel

22 7.7

To say no to someone or their offer in a quick rude way

is blunt and meant to drive people away quickly

S

to spurn

vsto repel

18 7.7

To refuse a person or an offer in a rude way

is blunt or abrupt but does not always imply contempt or disdain

R

to repulse

vsto repel

6 7.0

To make someone or something go away

is a blunt social refusal rather than a physical or defensive driving back

G

to give someone the brush-off

vsto repel

• Informal

2 7.5

To reject someone quickly and rudely

is blunt and abrupt but does not always signal ongoing unfriendliness

Antonyms

A

to accept

∞ 1.0

To take something someone offers, for example a gift or invitation

W

welcome

∞ 1.0

Pleasing and gladly accepted

Phrasal Verbs

R

to repel pest

1 4.1

To drive away insects and small animals that harm plants or homes

How Firmly

to shun

72 4.6

to repel

1 4.8

to reject

760 1.9

to refuse

∞ 1.7

to turn down

373 2.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology