dispel

verb

dis·​pel di-ˈspel How to pronounce dispel (audio)
dispelled; dispelling

transitive verb

: to drive away or cause to vanish by or as if by scattering : dissipate
dispel a rumor
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 Kensington Palace released a photo of Kate, Princess of Wales, to dispel rumors about her well-being. David Leonhardt, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 On Friday, Coull at last delivered a statement from the House of Illuminati account professing deep regret and seeking to dispel a number of rumors. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2024 The artist also appeared on TMZ Live in June 2023 to dispel any myths that Idol winners automatically become successful after the show. Ilana Frost, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 But box office spending on its own wasn’t enough to dispel analyst concerns for growth this year. Laura He, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024 Combat toxic narratives by dispelling imposter syndrome. Jamie Savage, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Like many others who have thrived in later life, Apfel’s life dispels agist myths and stereotypes that are prevalent in today’s culture and media. Sheila Callaham, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Investing Time in Editing Kevin dispels the myth that book writing services end with the final draft. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 But any lingering uncertainty was dispelled Saturday. Natalia Abbakumova, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dispel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispel was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near dispel

Cite this Entry

“Dispel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispel. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dispel

verb
dis·​pel dis-ˈpel How to pronounce dispel (audio)
dispelled; dispelling
: to drive away by or as if by scattering : dissipate

More from Merriam-Webster on dispel

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