dismiss

[dis-mis]

verb (used with object)

1. to direct (an assembly of persons) to disperse or go.

   I dismissed the class early.

2. to bid or allow (a person) to go; give permission or a request to depart.

   Antonyms: recall

3. to discharge or remove, as from office or service.

   to dismiss an employee.

   Synonyms: fire
   Antonyms: hire

4. to discard or reject.

   to dismiss a suitor.

   Antonyms: accept

5. to put off or away, especially from consideration; put aside; reject.

   She dismissed the story as mere rumor.

6. to have done with (a subject) after summary treatment.

   After a perfunctory discussion, he dismissed the idea.

7. Law.,  to put out of court, as a complaint or appeal.

dismiss

/ dɪsˈmɪs /

verb

1. to remove or discharge from employment or service

2. to send away or allow to go or disperse

3. to dispel from one's mind; discard; reject

4. to cease to consider (a subject)

   they dismissed the problem

5. to decline further hearing to (a claim or action)

   the judge dismissed the case

6. cricket to bowl out (a side) for a particular number of runs

1. military an order to end an activity or give permission to disperse

Other Word Forms

• dismissible adjective
• predismiss verb (used with object)
• redismiss verb (used with object)
• undismissed adjective
• dismissive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dismiss¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin dismissus, from Latin dīmissus “sent away,” past participle of dīmittere “to send away,” from Latin dī, variant of dis- dis- ¹ + mitt(ere) “to let go, send”

Word History and Origins

Origin of dismiss¹

C15: from Medieval Latin dismissus sent away, variant of Latin dīmissus, from dīmittere, from dī- _dis- ¹ + mittere to send

Synonym Study

See release.

Example Sentences

A judge earlier this year rejected Live Nation's bid to dismiss the antitrust claims, which the company has called "absurd."

From BBC

She claims she was dismissed immediately after presenting the broadcaster's strategy for 2024-25 "to about 100 people from the media sector in Wales".

From BBC

He comments come after Your Party supporters got an email on Tuesday offering £55 memberships only for Corbyn to later dismisses it as "unauthorised" - telling supporters he was seeking legal advice.

From BBC

But head coach Maresca suggested his side can take plenty from the defeat and "build something special" - while forward Palmer has dismissed the idea that they can't do that quickly.

From BBC

Ms Owens' lawyers have responded with a motion to dismiss the claim.

From BBC

Related Words

• depose 
• discharge 
• disqualify 
• fire 
• impeach 
• let go 
• oust 
• recall 
• retire 
• sack 
• suspend 
• terminate