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dispel
Dispel (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does dispel mean?
To make something disappear or to drive it away by removing doubt, fear, or misconception.
"Time, patience, and love often dispel the anxieties of a troubled heart."
Detailed Meaning of Dispel
When you dispel something, you are causing it to vanish or dissipate. This term is often used to describe the act of clearing up misunderstandings or misconceptions about a particular subject, person, or situation. For example, someone might try to dispel rumors or false information about themselves by clarifying the truth. Similarly, a teacher might try to dispel confusion or misunderstanding among their students by explaining a difficult concept in a clear and concise manner. Ultimately, the goal of dispelling is to eliminate confusion, doubt, or fear, and to replace it with clarity, understanding, or confidence.
Example Sentences for Dispel
1. We need to dispel these harmful myths immediately for everyone's sake.
2. Can you dispel the deep darkness with that antique, ornate lamp?
3. Simple words alone cannot dispel the lingering pain of a profound loss.
4. Bright, luminous lights usually dispel haunting shadows from a spacious room.
5. The rising morning sun will surely dispel the thick fog by the harbor.
6. To fully understand and embrace is to dispel the depths of ignorance.
Origin and Etymology of Dispel
The verb 'dispel' has its origins in the Latin word 'dispellere,' which is a combination of 'dis-' meaning 'away' and 'pellere' meaning 'to drive' or 'to push.' This etymology aptly illustrates the essence of 'dispel' as the act of driving something away or making it disappear. When you dispel something, you essentially push it aside or eliminate it, often by removing doubt, fear, or misconception. The word conveys the idea of dispelling not just physical entities but also abstract notions and uncertainties, leading to clarity and understanding. Thus, the etymology of 'dispel' highlights its role in clearing away obstacles or misconceptions to reveal a more accurate or truthful perspective.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the verb dispel:
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More Usage Examples of Dispel
1. Genuine laughter can dispel the heaviest of moods and brighten the day.
2. These facts clearly dispel the rumors that have been circulating lately.
3. A gentle breeze tends to dispel the smoke from the evening campfires.
4. Let's gather data to dispel misconceptions about renewable energy sources.
5. Your explanation will dispel many doubts that have been clouding my mind.
6. We use scientific evidence to dispel baseless claims in medical studies.
7. Community gatherings can dispel feelings of isolation and loneliness.
8. A heartwarming story can dispel the chill of a winter's evening.
9. Travel often helps dispel narrow-mindedness by exposing one to new cultures.
10. Education is the tool we use to dispel unfounded beliefs in society.
11. A genuine smile can dispel the unease felt during a tense meeting.
12. With this documentation, we can dispel any concerns about the project's legitimacy.
13. Her reassuring words were enough to dispel my apprehensions about the journey.
14. She tried to dispel her anxiety with deep breathing exercises.
Synonyms and Related Words for Dispel
Related Vocabulary Practice
Test your understanding of dispel in related quizzes, flashcards, and spelling activities:
Recognition and Approval
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Clarity and Candor
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Perception and Perspicacity
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Dominance and Dissent
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Clarify and Elucidate
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Persistence and Perseverance
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Doubt and Skepticism
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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT