dispel

[dih-spel]

verb (used with object)

dispelled, dispelling 

1. to drive off in various directions; disperse; dissipate.

   to dispel the dense fog.

   Antonyms: gather

2. to cause to vanish; alleviate.

   to dispel her fears.

dispel

/ dɪˈspɛl /

verb

1. (tr) to disperse or drive away

Other Word Forms

• dispellable adjective
• dispeller noun
• undispellable adjective
• undispelled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispel¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin dispellere “to drive asunder,” equivalent to dis- dis- ¹ + pellere “to drive”

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispel¹

C17: from Latin dispellere, from _dis- ¹ + pellere to drive

Synonym Study

See scatter.

Example Sentences

But, she said, the more time providers have to spend dispelling myths about Tylenol, the less time they have to discuss other important health issues.

From BBC

A 2024 study by Penn State researchers found that approximately one in eight adults enjoy intensely sour flavors, dispelling claims that extreme tartness is only favored by children.

From Salon

Dame Diana told BBC Surrey she wanted to dispel the myth that if thieves take goods worth less than £200 they would not be prosecuted.

From BBC

In many cases, that constant sense of tension has not been dispelled by the return to civilian life.

From BBC

So what better way to dispel those views than by headlining three nights of London's biggest festival - performing to more than 150,000 people in the process?

From BBC

Related Words

• allay 
• chase away www.thesaurus.com
• dismiss 
• disperse 
• dissipate 
• eliminate 
• resolve