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GATE 2014 EC (EC1) – Question 3

General Aptitude · Verbal Aptitude: Grammar and Vocabulary · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Many ancient cultures attributed disease to supernatural causes. However, modern science has largely helped ______ such notions.

  1. impel
  2. dispel
  3. propel
  4. repel

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) dispel

Explanation

Dispel means to remove a belief or misunderstanding. Scientific explanations have helped dispel notions attributing disease to supernatural causes, so **B** fits. Impel and propel mean to drive forward, while repel is not the appropriate collocation for removing such notions.