dissipates; dissipated; dissipating
formal
1
a
: to cause (something) to spread out and disappear
The morning sun dissipated the fog.
b
: to separate into parts and disappear or go away
The fog should dissipate soon.
By noon the crowd had dissipated. [=(more commonly) dispersed]
—often used figurativelyHer anger began to dissipate after a while.
2
: to use all or a lot of (something, such as money or time) in a foolish way
He had dissipated [=squandered] his family's fortune in only a few years.
Cite this Entry
“Dissipate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/dissipate. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
