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

Still, these 381 tracks dispel any idea that the 1976 tour is a footnote. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026

For a long time, fans thought the song was originally written for Selena Quintanilla, though Pulido dispelled the rumors in an interview. — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026

Fears that Kirk would not work well with the Democratic cabinet were dispelled by Broward Williams, celebrating his retention of the state treasurer’s office at his home at Tallahassee. — Roger Simmons, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Washington’s trade truce with Beijing has dispelled illusions that the transatlantic partners form a united front and made European partners doubt that the United States will come to their aid. — Theodore Bunzel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 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