repel
verb (used with object)
to drive or force back (an assailant, invader, etc.).
had been repelling
-
past perfect progressiveof repel.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Such was the changefulness of her mood that her smiles were as radiant and generously bestowed as her previous demeanor had been repelling.
From The Emigrant Trail by Geraldine Bonner
It was supposed that casual readers would fancy that the kingdom of Holland had been repelling an invader, and would not find out their mistake until they had read half through the sermon.
From Phyllis of Philistia by Frank Frankfort Moore
