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

The group posts updates on Instagram, which so far have mostly served to dispel rumors of immigration agent sightings. —Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025

Johnson on Sunday dispelled the notion that Trump would bring TikTok back without the company’s willingness to sell to a U.S.-based owner. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025

Beleaguered Everton fans left Goodison Park with a spring in their step on Sunday afternoon, rampant nostalgia dispelling any fears that looking to the past might undermine the future. —Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025

The proposal filed Tuesday seeks to dispel the governor’s critique of part of the 2024 proposal that would have allowed Trulieve and the state’s other medical-marijuana companies to start selling euphoria-inducing cannabis to anyone in Florida, including tourists, ages 21 and older. —Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 15 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

dispel

verb

dis·​pel dis-ˈpel 

dispelled; dispelling

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