Repel

Verb

Definition: To drive or force (someone or something) away or back.

Definition: To cause dislike or aversion in; to repulse.

Synonyms: Drive away, Push back, Reject, Repulse

Antonyms: Attract, Allure, Welcome

Examples:

The strong smell of the garbage repelled the guests.
The insect repellent was effective in repelling mosquitoes.

Mnemonics:

Remember the word "re-" in repel means to "push back" or "reject".
Think of repelling as creating a force field that repulses or repels anything unwanted.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Latin 'repellere', from 're-' (back) + 'pellere' (to drive).

Historical Usage:

The word has been in use with its current meaning since the late Middle English period.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Repel boarders"

Explanation:

A military phrase used to command the defense of a ship against enemy forces attempting to board.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "repel" with "rebel".

Explanation:

"Repel" refers to pushing something away, while "rebel" refers to resisting or opposing authority. They are different in both meaning and pronunciation.