dispel
UK: dɪˈspɛl | US: dɪˈspɛl
vt. to drive away or scatter something (e.g., fears, doubts, darkness) as if by force
vt. to eliminate or dismiss something intangible (e.g., rumors, illusions)
dispel = dis<away, apart> + pel<drive, push>
- dis<away, apart>: Latin prefix meaning "apart" or "reverse action."
- pel<drive, push>: From Latin pellere ("to drive"), seen in words like compel and repel.
Etymology Origin:
The word dispel originates from Latin dispellere, combining dis- (indicating separation) and pellere ("to drive"). It entered English in the 15th century, retaining the literal sense of "driving away by force" (e.g., dispelling darkness) before expanding to abstract concepts like dispelling doubts. The logic mirrors physical scattering (e.g., wind dispelling smoke) applied metaphorically to intangible things.
The sunrise dispelled the morning fog.
Her confident tone dispelled any doubts about her leadership.
Scientific evidence helped dispel the myth.
He waved his hand to dispel the unpleasant odor.
The teacher’s explanation dispelled the students’ confusion.