dismiss

verb

dis·​miss dis-ˈmis How to pronounce dismiss (audio)
dismissed; dismissing; dismisses

transitive verb

1
: to permit or cause (someone) to leave
dismiss the visitors
Class is dismissed.
2
: to remove from position or service : discharge
He was dismissed [=fired] from his job.
Several employees were recently dismissed.
3
a
: to reject serious consideration of (something or someone)
dismissed the thought
dismissed her as an amateur
b
law : to put (an action) out of judicial consideration : to refuse to hear (an action) or to hear (an action) further in court
dismiss all charges
This case is dismissed.
4
: to put out (a batsman) in cricket
dismission noun

Examples of dismiss in a Sentence

I don't think we should dismiss the matter lightly. The students were dismissed early because of the snowstorm. Several employees were recently dismissed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seven of those charged previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and prosecutors moved to dismiss their felony counts. Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025 But the board—which included Tan—reportedly lost patience with his spending, and he was dismissed last December, replaced by interim co-CEOs until Tan took control a few months later. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 Arkansas coach Sam Pittman was fired Sunday, and defensive coordinator Travis Williams and co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson were dismissed Monday. Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2025 They were dismissed in six games by eventual champion Golden State in the second round in 2022, and, after entering the following campaign as a favorite to make a deep playoff run, they were bounced by the Lakers in the first round. Joe Vardon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dismiss

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of dismiss was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dismiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismiss. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

dismiss

verb
dis·​miss dis-ˈmis How to pronounce dismiss (audio)
1
: to send away : cause or allow to go
dismissed the troops
2
: to discharge from office, service, or employment
3
: to put aside or out of mind
dismiss the thought
4
: to refuse further judicial hearing or consideration to
the judge dismissed the charge
dismissal
-ˈmis-əl
noun
dismissive adjective
dismissively adverb
Etymology

derived from Latin dimissus, past participle of dimittere "to send away," from di-, dis- "away, apart," and mittere "to send, throw" — related to emit

Legal Definition

dismiss

transitive verb
dis·​miss
1
: to remove from position or service
dismissed the employee
2
: to bring about or order the dismissal of (an action)
the suit was dismissed

intransitive verb

: to bring about or order a dismissal
the plaintiff moved to dismiss

More from Merriam-Webster on dismiss

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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