dissolve

[dih-zolv]

verb (used with object)

dissolved, dissolving 

1. to make a solution of, as by mixing with a liquid; pass into solution.

   to dissolve salt in water.

2. to melt; liquefy.

   to dissolve sugar into syrup.

3. to undo (a tie or bond); break up (a connection, union, etc.).

   Synonyms: loosen, sever

4. to break up (an assembly or organization); dismiss; disperse.

5. Government.,  to order the termination of (a parliament or other legislative body).

   Synonyms: adjourn

6. to bring to an end; terminate; destroy.

   to dissolve one's hopes.

7. to separate into parts or elements; disintegrate.

8. to destroy the binding power or influence of.

   to dissolve a spell.

9. Law.,  to deprive of force; abrogate; annul.

   to dissolve a marriage.

verb (used without object)

dissolved, dissolving 

1. to become dissolved, as in a solvent.

2. to become melted or liquefied.

3. to disintegrate, break up, or disperse.

4. to lose force, intensity, or strength.

5. to disappear gradually; fade away.

6. to break down emotionally; lose one's composure.

   The poor child dissolved in tears.

7. Movies, Television.,  to fade out one shot or scene while simultaneously fading in the next, overlapping the two during the process.

noun

1. Also called lap dissolve,. Also called cross-dissolve. Movies, Television.,  a transition from one scene to the next made by dissolving.

dissolve

/ dɪˈzɒlv /

verb

1. to go or cause to go into solution

   salt dissolves in water

   water dissolves sugar

2. to become or cause to become liquid; melt

3. to disintegrate or disperse

4. to come or bring to an end

5. to dismiss (a meeting, parliament, etc) or (of a meeting, etc) to be dismissed

6. to collapse or cause to collapse emotionally

   to dissolve into tears

7. to lose or cause to lose distinctness or clarity

8. (tr) to terminate legally, as a marriage, etc

9. (intr) films television to fade out one scene and replace with another to make two scenes merge imperceptibly ( fast dissolve ) or slowly overlap ( slow dissolve ) over a period of about three or four seconds

noun

1. films television a scene filmed or televised by dissolving

dissolve

1. To pass or cause to pass into solution.

Other Word Forms

• dissolver noun
• dissolvability noun
• dissolvable adjective
• dissolvableness noun
• dissolvingly adverb
• nondissolving adjective
• predissolve verb (used with object)
• redissolve verb
• self-dissolved adjective
• undissolvable adjective
• undissolved adjective
• undissolving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissolve¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin dissolvere “to unloose”; equivalent to dis- ¹ + solve

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissolve¹

C14: from Latin dissolvere to make loose, from _dis- ¹ + solvere to release

Synonym Study

See melt ¹.

Example Sentences

First, iron ore is dissolved into an acidic solution and then an electrical charge causes the iron to collect onto metal plates.

From BBC

"This has led to reduced dissolved oxygen in water, and isolated pools in smaller streams, which are all conditions that can cause fish distress and mortality."

From BBC

Parliament does not have to be dissolved in order to select a new leader, but a majority of MPs do need to support one of five registered candidates.

From BBC

Its president, Jordan Bardella, said Bayrou had declared "the end of his government" and leader Marine Le Pen said only dissolving parliament would let France choose its destiny.

From BBC

The contest didn't entirely dissolve into one-way traffic.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjourn 
• break up 
• cancel 
• collapse 
• demolish 
• destroy 
• discharge 
• dismiss 
• overthrow 
• postpone 
• repeal 
• separate 
• sever 
• suspend 
• terminate 
• vacate