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repellant

repellant

1 5.1
A chemical used to keep insects and other pests away
  • noun
  • /rɪˈpɛlənt/
translation icon : repelente
  • Bear repellant?

Examples

  • Make sure to use a natural plant-based repellant to keep the bugs away during the picnic.

  • We've got the mosquito repellant.

  • >> Yes, it's simple mosquito repellant.

  • You and the corporal got plenty... of insect repellant on your faces?

  • They gotta establish priorities... for mosquito net and an insect repellant.

  • To protect against bites, I applied a strong insect repellant before going hiking.

  • Before camping in the woods, we bought an effective mosquito repellant to avoid getting bitten.

Synonyms

repellent
vsrepellant
18 4.2

A chemical used to keep insects and other animals away

is the same meaning but spelled with a double l in writing
insect repellent
vsrepellant
3 3.2

A spray you put on skin or clothes to keep insects away

is broader, used to deter animals as well as insects
insect repellant
vsrepellant
  • US
2.9

A substance you put on skin or clothes to keep insects away

is broader, focusing on driving animals away not only preventing bites

Antonyms

attractant
  • Specialized
1 5.9

A substance that makes animals or insects come to a place because of its smell

Compounds

A substance you put on skin or clothes to keep insects away

How Effective

insecticide
  • Specialized
26 4.1
pesticide
  • Specialized
108 3.5
repellant
1 5.1
deterrent
1 7.0

Surface Forms

repellant singular
repellants plural

Morphology

repellant = repel (transparent) = repel + ant

The word 'repellant' is transparently derived from 'repel' with the suffix '-ant' indicating an agent or substance.

Etymology

Repellant comes from the Latin parts re- 'back' and pellere 'to drive', the same idea behind repel. So a repellant for insects is something that 'drives' or 'pushes' pests back and keeps them away.