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

But Colet dispels the characterization of BINI’s members as trailblazers. —Gabriel Saulog, Billboard, 18 Dec. 2024

Happy to report that any concerns were quickly dispelled. —Arika Herron, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024

Most importantly, her All-Star experience further dispelled the notion that her pro colleagues were out to put her in her place. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024

Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies. Learn how to manage uncertainty, dispel rumors, and help your team recover. —Nitin Nohria, bill George, kayti Stanley, Harvard Business Review, 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