dissipate

[dis-uh-peyt]

verb (used with object)

dissipated, dissipating 

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)

dissipated, dissipating 

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

Other Word Forms

• dissipater noun
• dissipator noun
• dissipative adjective
• dissipativity noun
• nondissipative 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

“Time is still needed for these effects to dissipate and for inflation expectations to be anchored at around 2%,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For a while, investors cheered the dissipating fog, with the Nasdaq composite surging as much as 2.6%.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Your physical body dissolves, your sunsum dissipates into the air, and your spirit goes to whatever underworld you are most tied to.”

Read more on Literature

Boron arsenide has the potential to revolutionize electronics and semiconductor technology by providing a material that both dissipates heat effectively and performs as a high-quality semiconductor.

Read more on Science Daily

Sunday: As the storm dissipates, most areas are projected to get 0.1 inch or less.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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