repel evil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repel evil" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing protection from malevolent forces or influences. For example: "The amulet is believed to repel evil." Alternative expressions include "ward off evil" and "drive away evil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was a symbol of the god of war and of the king himself as warrior, and formidable, to be brought out in times of crisis to repel evil.

The New York Times - Arts

The motif is actually meant to repel evil, and you can read all about it in the well-produced, bicep-straining scholarly catalog, of a kind this gallery produces for each of its exhibitions.

The New York Times - Arts

Such staffs were carved by a datu, or priest, who would use a staff in rites to contact the spirits of the dead, to call back the wandering souls of the sick, to repel evil and to divine the future.

The New York Times - Arts

And the Quran teaches to "Repel evil by that which is better" (41 34). .

Huffington Post

Ferber appears worried and makes a well-hidden gesture to repel evil; Kreutzer tries to calm him.

Wikipedia

The handsome blue doors and window frames look nice too, but their first purpose (so the folk wisdom goes) is to repel evil spirits.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Rather than merely avoiding clichés — about love and intimacy, artist and muse, public and private­ — the picture seems to repel them, as an amulet repels evil spirits.

The New Yorker

By Chris Wiley January 10 , 2017Emmet Gowin's 1971 portrait of his wife, Edith, peeing in a barn seems to repel cliches — about love and intimacy, artist and muse, public and private­ — as an amulet repels evil spirits.

The New Yorker

An enthusiastic reader of the 16th-century prophet Nostradamus, and a stylist in the manner of the Social Realists, Mr. Gregory designed a hair-raising assemblage of good forces repelling evil to create a utopian new world order.

The New York Times

When Willie's speeches fail to excite much interest, Penn lets loose: his neck cords bulge, his voice becomes coarse, as if his throat were lined with broken glass, and his hands, circling each other rapidly, suddenly shoot out to the side, repelling evil capitalists and corrupt politicians.

The New Yorker

If we get there as member of humanity, we would have embodied the best and loveliest aspects of Ramadan, and indeed come to have repelled evil "with something lovelier".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cultural or spiritual practices, use the phrase "repel evil" to accurately reflect the intent of rituals or objects designed to ward off negative forces.

Common error

Avoid using "repel evil" too casually in contemporary discussions where more nuanced language might be appropriate. Reserve it for situations where the intent is genuinely about warding off negative influences, not simply disagreeing with an opposing viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "repel evil" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "repel" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("evil"). Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and easily understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repel evil" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of warding off negative forces. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's usability, suggesting its appropriateness in various contexts. While most common in News & Media, it is also found in Science and Wiki contexts. Consider alternatives such as "ward off evil" or "fend off evil" for nuanced expression. Use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the intention is truly about resisting malevolent influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ward off evil

Similar meaning, using 'ward off' instead of 'repel'.

fend off evil

Replaces "repel" with "fend off", implying a more active defense.

drive away evil

Uses "drive away" instead of "repel", suggesting a forceful removal of evil.

fight off evil

Implies a struggle against evil, using "fight off" instead of "repel".

counteract evil

Focuses on neutralizing evil's effects rather than preventing its approach.

resist evil

Emphasizes personal resilience against evil's temptations or influences.

oppose evil

Highlights the act of standing against evil, rather than directly repelling it.

deflect evil

Suggests redirecting or avoiding evil's path, using "deflect" instead of "repel".

avert evil

Emphasizes preventing evil from occurring, using "avert" instead of "repel".

thwart evil

Implies obstructing or preventing evil's plans from succeeding.

FAQs

What does it mean to "repel evil"?

To "repel evil" means to ward off, resist, or drive away malevolent forces or influences. It often refers to actions taken to protect oneself or others from negative spiritual or moral forces.

How can I use "repel evil" in a sentence?

You can use "repel evil" to describe actions taken to protect against negative influences. For example: "The amulet is believed to "repel evil"", or "The ritual was performed to "repel evil" from the village."

What are some alternatives to saying "repel evil"?

Alternatives include "ward off evil", "fend off evil", or "drive away evil", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "repel evil" only used in a religious context?

While often used in religious or spiritual contexts, "repel evil" can also be used more broadly to describe actions taken to counter any negative or harmful influence, whether it's a physical threat or a moral corruption.