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.
What probability is there of my ever tasting the Dissipations of London, the Luxuries of Bath, or the stinking Fish of Southampton?
From Love and Freindship [sic] by Austen, Jane
"Dissipations," says Mrs Browning, "decidedly agree with Robert, there's no denying that, though he's horribly hypocritical, and 'prefers an evening with me at home.'"
From Robert Browning by Dowden, Edward
Dissipations of many kinds are explained in a similar way.
From How to Live Rules for Healthful Living Based on Modern Science by Fisher, Irving
Dissipations decidedly agree with Robert, there's no denying that, though he's horribly hypocritical, and 'prefers an evening with me at home,' which has grown to be a kind of dissipation also.
From The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume II by Kenyon, Frederic G. (Frederic George), Sir
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.
