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

• degradation
• corruption
• dissoluteness
• corruptness

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

These cells have a smaller diameter—which makes heat dissipation quicker and allows for Mercedes engineers to use direct-cell cooling technology. —Chad Kirchner, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025

Researchers could calculate filling any convex shape with warm gas and carefully observe the heat’s dissipation according to physical laws. —Max Springer, Scientific American, 5 June 2025

Guan’s key insight—a precise limit on how rapidly the rate of dissipation changes during this heating process—proved to be just what Klartag and Lehec needed. —Max Springer, Scientific American, 5 June 2025

Many aircraft are now equipped with accelerometers and send objective measurements of air disturbances, known as eddy dissipation rate, back to a central platform. —Jim Foerster, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see dissipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dissipation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

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