Check the advance of a sick man getting up (5)

I believe the answer is:

repel

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'check' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for repel that I've seen before include "Fend off" , "Drive back like leper" , "Be effective in controlling" , "give you the creeps" , "Drive back or disgust" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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