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

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams dispelled notions that the machine's malfunction could indicate election malfeasance in a statement made on social media. —Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 31 Oct. 2024

Aiming to dispel false rumors from MAGA supporters that the former prosecutor cannot speak without a teleprompter and colludes with media outlets to get questions in advance, Harris has adopted a more aggressive media schedule in recent weeks. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024

However, a sizable minority do feel that way, and many leading Republicans have done little to dispel the notion. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2024

Moon dispels eight common college application myths and misconceptions, including confusion around SAT scores and how much is too much for a student résumé. —Jeffrey Marcus, Forbes, 26 Oct. 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