What does repeller mean?
A repeller is someone or something that drives away another person, animal, object, or force. The word is especially common in the phrase insect repeller, referring to a product or device intended to keep insects away from people, food, or plants. It can also describe a person who discourages visitors or a device that creates a repulsive force. Repeller is related to the Latin root of repel, repulsion, and repellent, but it is more specific than the adjective repellent: a repellent describes something that repels, while a repeller names the agent or device doing the repelling. In general use, the term can sound slightly technical, though it remains clear and readily understood.
nounA person, thing, or device that drives something or someone away. A repeller may repel insects, people, or other forces, depending on its use.
- A person or thing that drives away or discourages another person, animal, or object.
- A device designed to repel something, such as insects, or to provide a repulsive force.
"The device is an effective insect repeller for the garden."
"The security guard acted as a repeller, keeping unwanted visitors at a distance."
"An electric repeller helps protect the plants from insects."
Used when referring to more than one repeller, especially multiple devices or devices of the same kind.
"The shop sells portable repellers for outdoor use."
The next time you flick on a bug-zapper, remember that it is a repeller: an object whose entire job is to send unwanted things away.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repeller come from?
Repeller is an English noun formed from the verb repel plus the suffix -er, indicating an agent or device that performs a repelling action. It belongs to a family derived from Latin repellere, meaning to drive back or repel. The related forms repel, repulsion, repulse, and repellent entered English through this same Latin verbal and adjectival tradition.
How repeller is actually used
The word is less common than the adjective repellent and is usually used in technical, product, or formal contexts. In everyday use, insect repeller is especially frequent.
Easily confused with repeller
A repeller is a person, object, or device that drives something away, whereas a repellent is more commonly an adjective or a substance that repels insects or other organisms.