repel

Etymology

From Middle English repellen, a borrowing from Old French *repeller, from Latin repellere (“to drive back”), from re- (“back”) + pellere (“to drive”). Doublet of repeal.

verb

1. (transitive, now rare) To turn (someone) away from a privilege, right, job, etc.
2. (transitive) To reject, put off (a request, demand etc.).
3. (transitive) To ward off (a malignant influence, attack etc.).
4. (transitive) To drive back (an assailant, advancing force etc.).
   In nearby Zintan, rebels repelled an advance by Gaddafi's forces, killing eight and taking one prisoner, a local activist said. 19 May 2011, Ian Traynor, The Guardian
5. (transitive, physics) To force away by means of a repulsive force.
6. (transitive) To cause repulsion or dislike in; to disgust.
   However, while the idea of a free holiday appeals enormously, I am frankly repelled by the idea of spending a couple of weeks in your company. 26 Jan 2008, The Guardian
7. (transitive, sports) To save (a shot).
   Arsenal pressed forward again after half-time but other than a venomous Walcott shot that Howard repelled with a fine one-handed save, the hosts offered little cutting edge. December 10, 2011, David Ornstein, “Arsenal 1-0 Everton”, in BBC Sport