Words / B2

di-SPEL/dɪˈspel/

To dispel is to drive away a feeling, doubt, or myth: dispel rumours; dispel fears. Dismiss is close but can mean “reject as unworthy”; expel is force a person out. A worked example dispels the myth that evaluate means describe. Do not mix with disperse (scatter a crowd).

Meaning

To make a feeling, doubt, or false idea go away.

Examples

• “A worked example will dispel the myth that evaluate means describe.”
• “The briefing failed to dispel rumours, which is a common news line.”

Good to know

dispel rumours / fears / a myth. Close: dismiss (a claim). Mix-up: disperse / expel. Teaching and press offices. Not used for physical objects much.

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