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

Gillian leaps into action to dispel the magic, encouraging Sally to help bring their new friend back by putting hands on his body. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026

Doing business downtown has come with a level of uncertainty for the past six years, as the pandemic dispelled the usual foot traffic and downtown employers and workers negotiated hybrid work. — Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026

Their opener against Egypt did nothing to dispel those thoughts. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Mendoza has been one of the only people from the Mets to attempt to dispel the narrative that Lindor led a toxic clubhouse. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 June 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