dispel

verb

dis·​pel di-ˈspel 

dispelled; dispelling

transitive verb

: to drive away or cause to vanish by or as if by scattering : dissipate

dispel a rumor

Synonyms

• clear out
• disband
• disperse
• dissipate
• scatter
• squander

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

However, Lloyd's management team quickly released a statement dispelling those reports. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

If there was any worry that What Had Happened Was… was going to be a Trojan horse of a title, enticing us with the promise of the whole story before baiting and switching us in favor of observational comedy about seatbelts, it’s dispelled instantly. —Lucy Ford, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024

While passion is incredibly important, demonstrating a sustainable, profitable model can dispel any skepticism about emotional appeals. —Janet Zhang, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Religious beliefs famously cannot be dispelled through arguments over evidence, which does not bode well for anyone who wishes to wrest the American public out of Kennedy’s grasp. —Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

dispel

verb

dis·​pel dis-ˈpel 

dispelled; dispelling

: to drive away by or as if by scattering : dissipate