A repellent is something that keeps other things away or makes them stay at a distance.

Basic meanings

  1. As an adjective (describing word)
    • It means “driving away” or “keeping out/away.”
   * Example: _water‑repellent_ jacket = a jacket that keeps water from soaking in.

 * It can also mean “very unpleasant or disgusting.”

   * Example: “He has repellent behavior” = his behavior is disgusting or strongly off‑putting.
  1. As a noun (a thing)
    • It is a substance used to keep something away , most often insects or water.
   * Example: insect/ mosquito repellent is put on skin or clothes so mosquitoes do not bite.

Common types of repellents

  • Insect repellents : Sprays, creams, or lotions used on skin or clothes to prevent mosquito and bug bites.
  • Water repellents : Coatings or treatments on fabric, stone, or other materials to stop water from soaking in.

Quick forum-style takeaway

When people say “use a repellent,” they usually mean an insect repellent you spray or rub on so mosquitoes and other bugs don’t come near you.

TL;DR:
“Repellent” can describe something that either drives things away (like insects or water) or is strongly disgusting , and as a noun it usually means a product that keeps insects or water away.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.