repel

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re·pel / riˈpel/ • v. (-pelled, -pel·ling) [tr.] 1. drive or force (an attack or attacker) back or away: government units sought to repel the rebels. ∎  [tr.] (of a magnetic pole or electric field) force (something similarly magnetized or charged) away from itself: electrically charged objects attract or repel one another | [intr.] like poles repel and unlike poles attract. ∎  (of a substance) resist mixing with or be impervious to (another substance): boots with good-quality leather uppers to repel moisture.2. be repulsive or distasteful to: she was repelled by the permanent smell of drink on his breath.3. formal refuse to accept (something, esp. an argument or theory): the alleged right of lien led by the bankrupt's attorney was repelled.DERIVATIVES: re·pel·ler n.

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