dispel

[ dih-spel ]

/ dɪˈspɛl /

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verb (used with object), dis·pelled, dis·pel·ling.

to drive off in various directions; disperse; dissipate: to dispel the dense fog.

to cause to vanish; alleviate: to dispel her fears.

Nearby words

dispatch box, dispatch case, dispatch rider, dispatcher, dispauper, dispel, dispend, dispensable, dispensary, dispensation, dispensationalism

Origin of dispel

1625–35; < Latin dispellere to drive asunder, equivalent to dis- dis-¹ + pellere to drive

SYNONYMS FOR dispel

1, 2 See scatter.

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ANTONYMS FOR dispel

1 gather.

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Related forms

dis·pel·la·ble, adjectivedis·pel·ler, nounun·dis·pel·la·ble, adjectiveun·dis·pelled, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for dispelled

But at least the illusion of a short-cut to individual and national wealth has been dispelled.
Two Decades of Prosperity: Gone|David Frum|June 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
I've changed my mind about same-sex marriage as experience has dispelled my fears of the harms from same-sex marriage.
Is the White Working Class Coming Apart?|David Frum|February 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But Saif dispelled the myth that his fingers had been cut off in revenge.
In His First Interview, Saif al-Islam Says He Has Not Been Given Access to a Lawyer|Fred Abrahams|December 30, 2011|DAILY BEAST
But, Gazzaniga argues, neuroscience has dispelled the myth of such a self, of such a “you.”
'Free Will Debate: Who’s in Charge?' by Michael Gazzaniga (review)|Casey Schwartz|November 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Further, as evidenced by the Toscano shocker, the curse on Idol's women has been far from dispelled.
The American Idol Implosion|Richard Rushfield|April 12, 2011|DAILY BEAST
My suspicions were cruelly unjust, but you have dispelled them.
The Bastonnais|John Lesperance
The hope was so precious that for a time he hesitated to advance, for fear lest the hope might be dispelled forever.
Cord and Creese|James de Mille
With a strong effort she dispelled the dizziness that had almost overpowered her, and held herself erect.
For the Term of His Natural Life|Marcus Clarke
Lack of water in this district has proved a stumbling block which will shortly be dispelled by machinery.
From Paris to New York by Land|Harry de Windt
But the apathy was dispelled now, and she shrank from giving Jethro pain by mentioning the fact.
Coniston, Complete|Winston Churchill

British Dictionary definitions for dispelled

dispel

/ (dɪˈspɛl) /

verb -pels, -pelling or -pelled

(tr) to disperse or drive away

Derived Forms

dispeller, noun

Word Origin for dispel

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

dispel

verb (used with object), dis·pelled, dis·pel·ling.

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Nearby words

Origin of dispel

SYNONYMS FOR dispel

ANTONYMS FOR dispel

Related forms

Examples from the Web for dispelled

British Dictionary definitions for dispelled

dispel

verb -pels, -pelling or -pelled

Derived Forms

Word Origin for dispel