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

• dissipative adjective
• dissipater noun
• dissipator noun
• 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

The altercation dissipated quickly, according to the complaint, but then at about 1:46 a.m.,

From Los Angeles Times

Running between 100 and 400 feet below ground, it would be engineered to absorb and dissipate land movement at the southern entrance.

From Los Angeles Times

Some use water evaporation to dissipate the heat, which works well but is thirsty.

From BBC

The loss against League Two opposition marks a new low for the Premier League side under Amorim and any optimism evident prior to the new campaign is already dissipating.

From BBC

Juliette was expected to dissipate, losing its tropical storm designation by Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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