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Repel vs Propel - What's the difference?

repel | propel |

As verbs the difference between repel and propel

is that repel is to turn (someone) away from a privilege, right, job, etc while propel is to cause to move in a certain direction.

repel

English

Verb

(repell)
  • * , II.3.7:
  • It is some satisfaction to him that is repelled , that dignities, honours, offices, are not alwayes given by desert or worth, but for love, affinitie, friendship, affection, great mens letters, or as commonly they are bought and sold.
  • To reject, put off (a request, demand etc.).
  • To ward off (a malignant influence, attack etc.).
  • To drive back (an assailant, advancing force etc.).
  • * 2011 , Ian Traynor, The Guardian , 19 May 2011:
  • In nearby Zintan, rebels repelled an advance by Gaddafi's forces, killing eight and taking one prisoner, a local activist said.
  • (physics) To force away by means of a repulsive force.
  • To cause repulsion, cause dislike.
  • * 2008 , The Guardian , 26 Jan 2008:
  • 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.
  • (sports) To save (a shot).
  • * {{quote-news, year=2011, date=December 10, author=David Ornstein, work=BBC Sport
  • , title= Arsenal 1-0 Everton , passage=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.}}

    Synonyms

    *

    Antonyms

    * attract

    Anagrams

    *

    propel

    English

    Verb

  • To cause to move in a certain direction.
  • * 1918 , (Edgar Rice Burroughs), Chapter V
  • When it had advanced from the wood, it hopped much after the fashion of a kangaroo, using its hind feet and tail to propel it, and when it stood erect, it sat upon its tail.
  • To make to arrive to a certain situation or result.
  • * 2005 , .
  • I can discern your nature and see that even without any arguments (logoi) from me it will propel you to what you say you are drawn towards,

    Synonyms

    * (either) drive, push

    Antonyms

    * (either) stay, halt, stop * (cause to move) rest

    Anagrams

    * ----