dissolve

¹dis·solve

verb
\di-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\

Definition of DISSOLVE

transitive verb

1

a : to cause to disperse or disappear : destroy <do not dissolve and deface the laws of charity — Francis Bacon> b : to separate into component parts : disintegrate c : to bring to an end : terminate <dissolve parliament> d : annul <dissolve an injunction>

2

a : to cause to pass into solution <dissolve sugar in water> b : melt, liquefy c : to cause to be emotionally moved d : to cause to fade in or out in a dissolve

3

archaic : detach, loosen

4

: to clear up <dissolve a problem>

intransitive verb

1

a : to become dissipated or decomposed b : break up, disperse c : to fade away

2

a : to become fluid : melt b : to pass into solution c : to be overcome emotionally <dissolved into tears> d : to resolve itself as if by dissolution <hate dissolved into fear> e : to change by a dissolve <the scene dissolves to a Victorian parlor>

— dis·solv·able \-ˈzäl-və-bəl, -ˈzȯl-\ adjective

— dis·sol·vent \-ˈzäl-vənt, -ˈzȯl-\ noun or adjective

— dis·solv·er noun

Examples of DISSOLVE

1. Dissolve the tablet in water.
2. Hopes for peace dissolved in renewed violence.
3. His kind words dissolved her sadness.
4. The treatment is used to dissolve kidney stones.

Origin of DISSOLVE

Middle English, from Latin dissolvere, from dis- + solvere to loosen — more at solve

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISSOLVE

Synonyms: dematerialize, disappear, evanesce, evaporate, fade, flee, fly, go (away), melt, sink, vanish

Antonyms: appear, materialize

Related Words: blank (out), clear, die (away or down or out), disperse, dissipate, disappear, dry up; blur, dim

Near Antonyms: arrive, break out, come out, emerge, issue, loom, show up

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