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

Hodges adds that along with increasing the incentive for people to donate blood, the drive also helps dispel the misconception that those who use cannabis can't donate contribute to the blood bank. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

And the right side of that chart pretty much dispels any idea that ULTY’s high dividend can protect you from volatility. —Brett Owens, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

The Samaritan Resource Center hosts monthly town halls in east Orange County to answer community questions, dispel misinformation, and try to get people to get more involved in helping solve the crisis. —Christie Zizo, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025

That goes some way towards dispelling his notion that Shorty Bowlegs, George’s father and Chee’s childhood bully, might have something to do with the murder, but Chee isn’t convinced. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for dispel

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

dispel

verb

dis·​pel dis-ˈpel 

dispelled; dispelling

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