v. & n.
v.tr. 1 drive back (an attack or attacking enemy) by force of arms. 2 a rebuff (friendly advances or their maker). b refuse (a request or offer or its maker). 3 be repulsive to, repel. 4 foil in controversy.
n. 1 the act or an instance of repulsing or being repulsed. 2 a rebuff.
[ L repellere repuls- drive back (as REPEL) ]