Dispel (Verb)
Meaning 1
To cause to separate and go in different directions; "She waved her hand and scattered the crowds".
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- A strong gust of wind dispelled the flock of birds flying in formation into various directions.
- The coach yelled to dispel the huddle of players to start playing the game.
- The police arrived to dispel the crowd of protesters gathered in front of the building.
- A weak explosion shook the ground, causing the herd of animals to quickly dispel and run away.
- The loud noise from the firework suddenly dispelled the cluster of people gathered near the stage.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
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".
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- Strong floodlights can dispel potential burglars from targeting a house.
- The sound of laughter helped dispel the gloom that had settled over the room.
- The coach's words of encouragement helped dispel the team's doubts about their ability.
- Storm windows are designed to dispel heavy rain and strong winds.
- A good night's sleep can dispel the dark thoughts that plagued her during the day.