Main Entry: dis·pel

Pronunciation: \di-ˈspel\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): dis·pelled; dis·pel·ling

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin dispellere, from dis- + pellere to drive, beat — more at felt

Date: 15th century

: to drive away by or as if by scattering : dissipate <dispel a rumor>

synonyms see scatter