Basic Details
Word: Dispel
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something go away or disappear, especially a feeling or belief.
Synonyms: Banish, eliminate, disperse
Antonyms: Conjure, gather, accumulate
Idioms and Phrases
- Dispel the darkness: To clear away confusion or misunderstandings. Example: "The teacher worked hard to dispel the darkness of the complicated lesson."
- Dispel one's fears: To reassure someone and make them feel calm. Example: "The kind words from her friend helped to dispel her fears before the big presentation."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The scientist aimed to dispel the myths surrounding climate change with clear evidence and facts.
Example 2: She told a funny joke to dispel the tension in the room during the awkward silence.
Example 3: The bright morning sun helped to dispel the thick fog that covered the village.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "dispel" comes from the Latin word "dispellere," which means "to drive away"? It has been used in English since the 15th century!
Famous Quote
"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." Rudyard Kipling
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dispel" mean?
a) To create something
b) To make something go away
c) To hold onto something
d) To find something
Answer: b) To make something go away
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dispel"?
a) Gather
b) Banish
c) Accumulate
d) Collect
Answer: b) Banish
3. What is an antonym of "dispel"?
a) Banish
b) Disperse
c) Conjure
d) Eliminate
Answer: c) Conjure
4. Which sentence uses "dispel" correctly?
a) She tried to dispel her love for chocolate.
b) They dispelled the invitations to the party.
c) He spoke gently to dispel the worries of his friend.
d) The artist dispelled the picture on the canvas.
Answer: c) He spoke gently to dispel the worries of his friend.
5. What does "dispel one's fears" mean?
a) To create fears
b) To reassure someone
c) To hide fears
d) To deny fears
Answer: b) To reassure someone
