dissipation
Americannoun
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the act of dissipating.
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the state of being dissipated; dispersion; disintegration.
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a wasting by misuse.
the dissipation of a fortune.
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mental distraction; amusement; diversion.
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dissolute way of living, especially excessive drinking of liquor; intemperance.
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Physics, Mechanics. a process in which energy is used or lost without accomplishing useful work, as friction causing loss of mechanical energy.
noun
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the act of dissipating or condition of being dissipated
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unrestrained indulgence in physical pleasures, esp alcohol
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excessive expenditure; wastefulness
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amusement; diversion
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.
Vocabulary lists containing dissipation
100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"
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Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress
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The Bluest Eye
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Eclipse chasers will rush to secure a vantage point with an unimpeded sight of the setting Sun and pray for the dissipation of any clouds, dust or smoke.
From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026
In this context, dissipation refers to the portion of photons that are not reflected and instead pass through the metamaterial's surface.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 31, 2026
The researchers say this discovery forms the foundation of what they call singulonics, a new nanophotonic framework focused on controlling and confining light far below conventional limits without energy dissipation.
From Science Daily ● May 21, 2026
Larger radiators and the gear that supports heat dissipation would add mass to each satellite, and big radiators can be pricey because they have more ways to break, according to Rao.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026
The discovery of his daughter restored his former joviality and the pleasure of being with her was slowly leading him away from dissipation.
From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
