repel
verb (used with object)
to drive or force back (an assailant, invader, etc.).
was repelling
-
past progressiveof repel.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The local governor said the military was repelling an attack.
From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2023
Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, said Wagner units were “coming from several directions” but insisted Ukraine was repelling them and inflicting “significant losses.”
From New York Times ● Mar. 13, 2023
OLE was brought to the attention of U.S. scientists in the 1990s, when they learned that a Chinese product called Quwenling was repelling mosquitoes much better than other plant-based products.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 8, 2022
Tottenham’s resolute defense was repelling Liverpool attacks until a shot from Luis Díaz outside the penalty area deflected off Rodrigo Bentancur and beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
From Seattle Times ● May 7, 2022
The propriety of woman voting had been to her a stumbling-block; the idea was repelling.
From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I by Elizabeth Cady Stanton
