dispel

verb

dis·​pel di-ˈspel How to pronounce dispel (audio)
dispelled; dispelling

transitive verb

: to drive away or cause to vanish by or as if by scattering : dissipate
dispel a rumor
Choose the Right Synonym for dispel

scatter, disperse, dissipate, dispel mean to cause to separate or break up.

scatter implies a force that drives parts or units irregularly in many directions.

the bowling ball scattered the pins

disperse implies a wider separation and a complete breaking up of a mass or group.

police dispersed the crowd

dissipate stresses complete disintegration or dissolution and final disappearance.

the fog was dissipated by the morning sun

dispel stresses a driving away or getting rid of as if by scattering.

an authoritative statement that dispelled all doubt

Examples of dispel in a Sentence

This report should dispel any doubts you have about the plan. She made an official statement to dispel any rumors about her retirement. The experience dispelled some of our fears about the process.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the notion that this is primarily a judge problem seems to be dispelled by the findings of the report. Carrie Johnson, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025 His opening weeks in office have done nothing to dispel those concerns. Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025 Walt was the visual equivalent of a pop hook: clear, snappy, dispelling all portentousness. Ian Penman, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 Conspiracy theories were launched about the franchise’s relatively new ownership group angling to move the team, which commissioner Adam Silver went as far as dispelling over All-Star Weekend. C. Clark, M. Vorkunov and F. Katz, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin dispellere, from dis- + pellere to drive, beat — more at felt

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispel was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispel. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

dispel

verb
dis·​pel dis-ˈpel How to pronounce dispel (audio)
dispelled; dispelling
: to drive away by or as if by scattering : dissipate

More from Merriam-Webster on dispel

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