dissolve

1 of 2

verb

dis·​solve di-ˈzälv  -ˈzȯlv 

 also  -ˈzäv,

 or  -ˈzȯv

dissolved; dissolving; dissolves

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

dissolved the company into smaller units

c

: to bring to an end : terminate

the king's power to dissolve parliament

their partnership was dissolved

d

law : annul

dissolve an injunction

the marriage was dissolved

2

a

chemistry : to cause to pass into solution (see solution sense 2b)

dissolve sugar in water

dissolve a chlorine tablet

b

: melt, liquefy

The heat will dissolve the chocolate.

c

: to cause to be emotionally moved (see move entry 1 sense transitive 5a)

She was dissolved in tears.

d

: to cause to fade in or out in a dissolve (see dissolve entry 2)

3

archaic : detach, loosen

4

: to clear up : to find a solution, explanation, or answer for

dissolve a problem

intransitive verb

1

a

: to become dissipated (see dissipate sense 1) or decomposed

the mist … dissolved as it touched the valleys

—Han Suyin

b

: break up, disperse

The temporary committee will be made to dissolve.

c

: to fade away

His strength had dissolved.

2

a

: to become fluid : melt

glaciers dissolving into the sea

b

chemistry : to pass into solution

Salt dissolves in water.

c

: to be overcome emotionally

He 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.

dissolvable

di-ˈzäl-və-bəl 

-ˈzȯl-

adjective

dissolvent

di-ˈzäl-vənt 

-ˈzȯl-

noun or adjective

dissolver noun

dissolve

2 of 2

noun

: a gradual superimposing of one motion-picture or television shot upon another on a screen

Synonyms

Verb

• disappear
• vanish
• fade
• melt

Examples of dissolve in a Sentence

Verb

Dissolve the tablet in water.

Hopes for peace dissolved in renewed violence.

His kind words dissolved her sadness.

The treatment is used to dissolve kidney stones.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Today, 20 years of guilt have dissolved into what’s going on 20 years of friendship. —Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

Yes, even the instructions for iced coffee on the package advise using a bit of hot water to dissolve the powder, then adding ice and cold water. —Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025

Noun

The sequencing, the dissolves, the rhythm of projection all recall the emotional power of the slideshow, that fragile form where photography and music meet to create something larger than either. —Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025

Cook, stirring, over medium-high until sugar dissolves and comes to boiling, 5 minutes. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

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

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dissolve

• absolve
• devolve
• evolve
• involve
• resolve
• revolve
• solve

Kids Definition

dissolve

verb

dis·​solve

diz-ˈälv,

-ˈȯlv

dissolved; dissolving

1

: to mix or cause to mix with a liquid so that the result is a liquid that is the same throughout

sugar dissolves in water

2

: to bring to an end

dissolved their partnership

3

: to fade away as if by breaking up or melting

his courage dissolved in the face of danger

4

: to be overcome by a strong feeling

dissolved into tears

5

: to appear or fade out gradually so that one scene is replaced by another (as in movies or television)

dissolver noun

Medical Definition

dissolve

verb

dis·​solve diz-ˈälv  -ˈȯlv 

dissolved; dissolving

transitive verb

1

: to cause to pass into solution

dissolve sugar in water

2

: to cause to melt or liquefy

intransitive verb

1

: to become fluid

2

: to pass into solution

dissolvable

-ˈäl-və-bəl, -ˈȯl- 

adjective

dissolver noun

Legal Definition

dissolve

transitive verb

dis·​solve

dissolved; dissolving

: to bring about the dissolution of

dissolvable adjective