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

Her family, including her younger sister, Kimber Biggs, is hoping a documentary will dispel rumors. More about the Mikelle Biggs case. —The Arizona Republic, 6 July 2024

This choice to have a debate early was itself an effort to dispel this issue. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 29 June 2024

The Biden campaign was aiming to dispel concerns about the 81-year-old incumbent’s age and competency during the event. —Nicole Nixon, Sacramento Bee, 28 June 2024

Biden proved unable to dispel concerns that his mental acuity has sagged, which has prompted another round of consternation over his ability to govern or even win the election. —Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 June 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