repellent
ri-PEL-uhnt
/rɪˈpelənt/
A substance that deters insects or other pests from approaching or settling; causing disgust or aversion.
A repellent does not kill pests; it merely creates an environment or scent that drives them away.
The story behind the word. From the Latin repellere, meaning 'to drive back' or 'thrust away.' This is formed from re- (back) and pellere (to drive). It entered English in the 17th century, initially describing physical forces or medicines that reduced swelling before applying to bug sprays.
Word relationships
- deterrent: Deterrent is a broader term that can apply to military defense, laws, or physical barriers, while repellent is usually chemical or sensory.
- ward: Ward is an archaic or literary term for a protective guard or shield.
- attractant: An attractant is a chemical or sensory substance designed to draw pests toward it.
Commonly confused with
- repulsive: Repulsive is used almost exclusively to describe something highly disgusting or offensive to the senses, while repellent can be a technical substance (like water-repellent fabric).
Word family
- repel (verb): To drive back or ward off.
- repellency (noun): The capacity to repel pests or substances.
Collocations
- insect repellent
- water repellent
- natural repellent
- apply repellent
Example sentences
- "He applied a heavy layer of insect repellent before venturing into the swampy lowlands." Preparing for an outdoor excursion.
Memory hook
Think of 're-pellent' as something that 'repels' or 'pushes' pests 'back' from your skin. Pushing pests back.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to a substance that kills pests on contact; that is a pesticide or insecticide.
Fun facts
- The most famous insect repellent, DEET, was developed by the United States Army in 1946 for use by soldiers in jungle warfare.
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