clear up misconceptions or make doubts go away

dispel

verb|/dɪˈspel/

To eliminate doubts, fears, or misconceptions

Examples

In a meeting

Let me dispel any concerns about the security of our platform.

Over coffee

That conversation really helped dispel my worries about the situation.

Why this word

remove

dispel specifically means to drive away doubts, fears, or misconceptions, while remove is general for any elimination

eliminate

dispel suggests making something (like doubt or myth) disappear by exposing it to truth, while eliminate is broader

clear up

dispel emphasizes forcefully driving away false beliefs or fears, while clear up is more casual about resolving confusion

Usage tip

Particularly effective for addressing rumors, fears, or misunderstandings; implies active clarification

Etymology

Latin 'dispellere' from 'dis-' (away) + 'pellere' (to drive)

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