dismisses; dismissed; dismissing
1
: to decide not to think about or consider (something or someone)
We dismissed his accusations.
We can't completely dismiss [=discount] the possibility that she's right.
I don't think we should dismiss the matter lightly.
—often + asHis idea was dismissed as impractical.
For a long time they dismissed her as a silly old woman.
2
: to send (someone) away : to cause or allow (someone) to leave
The students were dismissed early because of the snowstorm.
Class is dismissed. [=the class is over and students are free to leave]
3
: to officially make (someone) leave a job : to end the employment or service of (someone)
He was dismissed [=fired] from his job.
Several employees were recently dismissed.
4
law
: to officially end or stop (something, such as a legal case)
The judge dismissed the case/suit.
All charges were dismissed. [=dropped]
Cite this Entry
“Dismiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/dismiss. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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