dispel

[ dih-spel ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·pelled, dis·pel·ling.

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

Derived Forms

• disˈpeller, noun

Other Words From

• dis·pella·ble adjective
• dis·peller noun
• undis·pella·ble adjective
• undis·pelled 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

The government saying it isn’t looking to fill the vacancy will do little to dispel that instinct from those who thought it all along.

From BBC

But, until they grind through the pressure to victory, his team can't dispel the theory either.

From BBC

Republicans also worried that the former president might start a third party that would siphon off support from Republicans – concerns that Trump’s closest aides did little to dispel.

From BBC

The White House quickly tried to dispel that criticism, with a spokesman saying that Biden had been referring to “the hateful rhetoric at the Madison Square Garden rally as garbage.”

From Los Angeles Times

While the offense has done little to dispel its preseason question, the defense is still trying to address its own lingering problem.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allay
• chase away
• dismiss
• disperse
• dissipate
• eliminate
• resolve