dissipate

[ dis-uh-peyt ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·si·pat·ed, dis·si·pat·ing.

1. to scatter in various directions; disperse; dispel.

   Antonyms: unite

2. to spend or use wastefully or extravagantly; squander; deplete:

   to dissipate one's talents; to dissipate a fortune on high living.

verb (used without object)

, dis·si·pat·ed, dis·si·pat·ing.

1. to become scattered or dispersed; be dispelled; disintegrate:

   The sun shone and the mist dissipated.

   Synonyms: vanish, disappear

   Antonyms: unite

2. to indulge in extravagant, intemperate, or dissolute pleasure.

dissipate

/ ˈdɪsɪˌpeɪt /

verb

1. to exhaust or be exhausted by dispersion
2. tr to scatter or break up
3. intr to indulge in the pursuit of pleasure

Derived Forms

• ˈdissiˌpative, adjective
• ˈdissiˌpater, noun

Other Words From

• dissi·pater dissi·pator noun
• dissi·pative adjective
• dis·si·pa·tiv·i·ty [dis-, uh, -p, uh, -, tiv, -i-tee], noun
• non·dissi·pative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissipate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin dissipātus (past participle of dissipāre, dissupāre “to scatter”); -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissipate¹

C15: from Latin dissipāre to disperse, from dis- ¹+ supāre to throw

Synonym Study

See scatter.

Example Sentences

Quickly, though, the feeling dissipated, and I remember at that young age feeling disappointed.

From Los Angeles Times

In recent years much of the secrecy that once surrounded stillbirth and miscarriage has dissipated as more parents like Maria choose to speak out about baby loss.

From BBC

I hadn't even known how heavy it was until I watched it dissipate before my eyes.

From Salon

Samoan officials said it was believed that most of the ship's fuel had burnt off during the fire onboard, and that oil in the sea had been observed dissipating quickly.

From BBC

But his initial concerns about backlash dissipated after managers held a meeting about a month ago to explain the company’s new, more neutral stance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dispel
• disperse
• dissolve
• evaporate
• spread
• vanish