Do something repulsive (5)

I believe the answer is:

repel

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'do' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't see how one could define the other.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for repel that I've seen before include "Hold off" , "Turn away" , "Spurn" , "Drive back - revolt" , "Drive back or disgust" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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