dispel meaning and definition

DISPEL verb

Definition of dispel (verb)

1. force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings
   • "Drive away potential burglars"; "drive away bad thoughts"; "dispel doubts"; "The supermarket had to turn back many disappointed customers"
   • synonyms: chase away, drive away, drive off, drive out, run off, turn back
2. to cause to separate and go in different directions
   • "She waved her hand and scattered the crowds"
   • synonyms: break up, disperse, dissipate, scatter