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.}}

Verb

(en verb)

To pull back inside.

An airplane retracts its wheels for flight.

(ambitransitive) To draw back; to draw up.

Muscles retract after amputation.

A cat can retract its claws.

To take back or withdraw something one has said.

I retract all the accusations I made about the senator and sincerely hope he won't sue me.

* Bishop Stillingfleet

I would as freely have retracted this charge of idolatry as I ever made it.

* Granville

She will, and she will not; she grants, denies, / Consents, retracts , advances, and then flies.

To take back, as a grant or favour previously bestowed; to revoke.

(Woodward)