insect-repellent
|in-sect-re-pel-lent|
/ˈɪnˌsɛkt rɪˈpɛlənt/
substance to deter insects
Etymology
'insect-repellent' originates from the combination of 'insect' and 'repellent', where 'insect' refers to small arthropods and 'repellent' means 'to drive back'.
'insect-repellent' was formed by combining the words 'insect' and 'repellent' in modern English.
Initially, it meant 'a substance to drive back insects', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces to deter insects from landing or climbing on that surface.
She applied insect-repellent before going on the hike.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
having the property of repelling insects.
The insect-repellent clothing was very effective during the camping trip.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/03 06:08