What does the term 'repel' mean in the context of electrostatic forces?

In the context of electrostatic forces, 'repel' specifically refers to the phenomenon where like charges push away from each other. When two charges of the same type, either both positive or both negative, approach each other, the electrostatic force acting between them causes them to move apart. This repulsive interaction is a fundamental characteristic of electric forces, rooted in the nature of charged particles.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it not only explains the behavior of charged objects in various scenarios but also underpins many practical applications in fields such as electronics and physics. The repulsion between like charges contrasts with the attraction between opposite charges, highlighting the dual nature of electrostatic interactions. This distinction is essential for grasping how electric charges influence each other within systems.