dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdi-sə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated:

a

: dispersion, diffusion

the dissipation of the smoke

the dissipation of enemy forces

b

archaic : dissolution, disintegration

c

: wasteful expenditure

the dissipation of the family's fortune

d

: intemperate living

especially : excessive drinking

2

: an act of self-indulgence

lived a life of dissipation

especially : one that is not harmful : amusement

Synonyms

• abjection
• corruption
• corruptness
• debasement
• debauchery
• decadence
• decadency
• degeneracy
• degenerateness
• degeneration
• degradation
• demoralization
• depravity
• dissipatedness
• dissoluteness
• libertinage
• libertinism
• perversion
• pervertedness
• rakishness
• turpitude

Examples of dissipation in a Sentence

Insulation helps prevent the dissipation of heat from houses in the winter.

a movie about the dissipation of a famous heir's fortune

He lived a life of dissipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Elevating your device also allows for better heat dissipation. —Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 8 Aug. 2024

Technology that prevented the dissipation of energy within their system would be permitted. —Emily Giambalvo, Washington Post, 26 July 2024

These chambers are used on most smartphones today for better heat dissipation, allowing for smoother sustained performance when playing games. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 10 July 2024

The monitor utilizes a custom heatsink and top vents, similar to those of the MSI and Alienware, that prioritize heat dissipation and prevent OLED burn-in. —PCMAG, 15 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

see dissipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated