Dispell

/dɪˈspɛl/ verb

Definition

An archaic or obsolete spelling of 'dispel'; to drive away, scatter, or cause to vanish.

Etymology

From Old French dispeller, from Latin dispellere (dis- = away + pellere = to drive). The modern spelling 'dispel' has replaced this variant.

Kelly Says

This is a fascinating example of how spelling has been standardized over time—'dispell' with two L's was once acceptable, but modern spelling reformed it to the single-L 'dispel' we use today.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.