dissipation

American  

[dis-uh-pey-shuhn] / ˌdɪs əˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of dissipating.

2. the state of being dissipated; dispersion; disintegration.

3. a wasting by misuse.

   the dissipation of a fortune.

4. mental distraction; amusement; diversion.

5. dissolute way of living, especially excessive drinking of liquor; intemperance.

6. Physics, Mechanics. a process in which energy is used or lost without accomplishing useful work, as friction causing loss of mechanical energy.

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dissipation British  

/ ˌdɪsɪˈpeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of dissipating or condition of being dissipated

2. unrestrained indulgence in physical pleasures, esp alcohol

3. excessive expenditure; wastefulness

4. amusement; diversion

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dissipation Scientific  

/ dĭs′ə-pā′shən /

1. The loss of energy from a physical system, most often in the form of heat.

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Etymology

Origin of dissipation

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin dissipātiōn-, stem of dissipātiō; equivalent to dissipate + -ion

Explanation

Dissipation is the act of breaking up and scattering or spreading widely. With the dissipation of the clouds, you could enjoy the sunny afternoon — if only you didn't have to work. Dissipation also refers to wasteful or thoughtless spending or activity. Your habit of taking old clothes and appliances to the dump instead of donating them to charities is a kind of dissipation. Dissipation can also mean a life of indulgence, in which health and wealth are squandered in the pursuit of pleasure. Your uncle's life of dissipation, throwing money at wine and women, will ultimately only bring heartache.

Example Sentences

"There is no wear, no surface roughness and no direct contact. Dissipation is generated solely by collective magnetic rearrangements."

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

Dissipation of body heat through the skin pores of itself may produce a common cold, declared William John Kerr and John B. Lagen of the University of California.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dissipation, which used to go with the bulgy, rumpled political image, is about extinct.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dissipation, alas, now seems less a simulacrum than a portrait.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dissipation of the people at the festivals, ii.

From History of European Morals From Augustus to Charlemagne (Vol. 2 of 2) by Lecky, William Edward Hartpole

Related Words

• diffusion
• wastage