dispel

verb

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

transitive verb

: to drive away or cause to vanish by or as if by scattering : dissipate
dispel a rumor

Synonyms of dispel

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Canadian singer Keshia Chanté dispelled the rumors of Drizzy being the father of her baby after speculation continued to mount following her maternity photo shoot landing on social media. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026 At the exhibition’s press opening, curator Cindy Kang talked about trying to dispel the idea that internment was an isolated incident that these artists then moved on from. — Robert Sullivan, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 The first is a warm wind that blows out of neighboring De Beque Canyon in springtime, dispelling frosts that could damage delicate blossoms. — Sarah Kaplan, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026 Their wavelike motion helps move around germs, mucus, dust, and other irritants so the body can dispel them via coughing or sneezing. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispel

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

Rhymes for dispel

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Browse Nearby Words

dispeace
dispel
dispeller
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Cite this Entry

“Dispel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispel. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
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