dismiss

dis·miss

verb \dis-ˈmis\

Definition of DISMISS

transitive verb

1

: to permit or cause to leave <dismissed the visitors>

2

: to remove from position or service : discharge <dismissed the thievish servant>

3

a : to reject serious consideration of <dismissed the thought> b : to put out of judicial consideration <dismissed all charges>

— dis·mis·sion \-ˈmi-shən\ noun

— dis·mis·sive \-ˈmi-siv\ adjective

— dis·mis·sive·ly adverb

Examples of DISMISS

1. I don't think we should dismiss the matter lightly.
2. The students were dismissed early because of the snowstorm.
3. Several employees were recently dismissed.

Origin of DISMISS

Middle English, modification of Latin dimissus, past participle of dimittere, from dis- + mittere to send

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to DISMISS

Synonyms: ax (or axe), bounce, can, cashier, discharge, fire, muster out, pink-slip, release, remove, retire, sack, terminate, turn off, send packing, show (one) the door

Antonyms: employ, engage, hire, retain, sign (up or on), take on

Related Words: downsize, excess, furlough, lay off, trim; boot (out), chuck (out), drum (out), kick out, throw out, unseat; separate

Near Antonyms: keep; reemploy, rehire; contract, subcontract; recruit

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with DISMISS

abyss, amiss, Brown Swiss, coulisse, dehisce, French kiss, iwis, koumiss, near miss, remiss, submiss