Dissipate (verb)
dis·si·pate [dis-uh-peyt]
verb (used with object)
1. to scatter in various directions; disperse; dispel.
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)
3. to become scattered or dispersed; be dispelled; disintegrate: The sun shone and the mist dissipated.
4. to indulge in extravagant, intemperate, or dissolute pleasure.
Related forms
dis·si·pat·er, dis·si·pa·tor, noun
dis·si·pa·tive, adjective
dis·si·pa·tiv·i·ty [dis-uh-puh-tiv-i-tee] /ˌdɪs ə pəˈtɪv ɪ ti/, noun
non·dis·si·pa·tive, adjective
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com
Synonyms
1. scatter. 3. disappear, vanish.
Antonyms
1, 3. unite.
Examples from the Web for dissipate
Contemporary Examples
It will dissipate support for building the coalition and sustaining its efforts over the coming years.
Here's How to Dig Out of This 'Stupid Sh*t' U.S. Foreign Policy
Leslie H. Gelb
August 13, 2014
If we aspire to that personally and legislate for it publicly, the ugliness will dissipate.
In Gay Rights Fights, Bullies Love to Play the Victim
Tim Teeman
April 4, 2014
“I think that the skepticism and the cynicism that she had began to dissipate over time,” McKeon says.
Bronx Judge Helps Dominique Strauss-Kahn Maid Nafissatou Diallo Find Justice
Michael Daly
December 11, 2012
Both he and Mark had agreements with the bankruptcy trustee not to dissipate or try to move assets.
Spotlight Shifts to Madoff's Last Son
Allan Dodds Frank
December 13, 2010
RULE: Wait for the afterglow to dissipate—and the pants to go on—before you pick up the phone after sex.
The 12 Rules of Sex and Tech
Brian Ries, Claire Howorth
November 14, 2010
Historical Examples
Instead of this, it was the aim of our diplomacy to dissipate the opposition.
The Story of the Malakand Field Force
Sir Winston S. Churchill
Pierre promised to repeat these words to Guillaume, so as to dissipate his fears.
The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete
Emile Zola
But even were it this moment to dissipate, what cause have I for remorse?
Tales And Novels, Volume 8 (of 10)
Maria Edgeworth
There was an air of mystery about him which the inmates of the house on the Moss did nothing to dissipate.
The Shadow of a Crime
Hall Caine
That margin the Bulgarian prefers in the main to save rather than to dissipate.
Bulgaria
Frank Fox
Origin: 1525–35; < Latin dissipatus (past participle of dissipare, dissupare to scatter)
