Definition Definition

dissipate - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'dissipate' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Dissipate [ v. i.]
- To separate into parts and disappear; to waste away; to scatter; to disperse; to vanish; as, a fog or cloud gradually dissipates before the rays or heat of the sun; the heat of a body dissipates.
- To be extravagant, wasteful, or dissolute in the pursuit of pleasure; to engage in dissipation.
2 . Dissipate [ v. t.]
- To scatter completely; to disperse and cause to disappear; -- used esp. of the dispersion of things that can never again be collected or restored.
- To destroy by wasteful extravagance or lavish use; to squander.

Meaning of 'dissipate' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . dissipate [ v]
Meaning (1):
- spend frivolously and unwisely
Example in sentence:
  • Fritter away one's inheritance
Meaning (2):
- to cause to separate and go in different directions
Example in sentence:
  • She waved her hand and scattered the crowds
Meaning (3):
- move away from each other
Example in sentence:
  • The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached;
  • The crowds dispersed