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 of dispel

• disperse

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 movie, which starred an orca named Keiko, also dispelled myths about the killer whale and inspired activism around their captivity. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 July 2026

Speculation about potential injuries to Ginn and Kurtz — arguably the A’s best pitcher and hitter this season, respectively — were prominent on social media during the last two games before being dispelled by Kotsay. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

That the strength of its leadership has irrevocably suffered is the exact notion Iran hopes to dispel with its high-visibility ceremonies this week. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 July 2026

Our new middle grade novel, Roxie in Color, helps dispel some of the misconceptions about people who are blind by offering an authentic portrayal of what life is like for a 12-year-old girl with blind parents. — Diane Debrovner, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

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