dissipate
What does "dissipate" mean?
To dissipate means to gradually disappear, fade away, or scatter until nothing is left. Think of a thick morning fog that slowly lifts as the sun rises, or the way a crowd of people at a concert gradually drifts apart and vanishes into the night after the show ends. In a more formal context, it can also refer to the wasteful spending of money, energy, or resources. While it is often used for physical things like smoke or heat, it is equally common when describing abstract concepts like anger or tension, which can "dissipate" as time passes and calm returns.
"dissipate" in conversation
Work meeting
I was worried the tension in the room would never dissipate.
I was worried the tension in the room would never dissipate.
Me too, but after the CEO spoke, everyone seemed to calm down.
Me too, but after the CEO spoke, everyone seemed to calm down.
Used here to describe the fading of an abstract feeling like tension.
Scientific observation
Watch the vapor carefully; it should dissipate within seconds.
Watch the vapor carefully; it should dissipate within seconds.
Oh, I see it thinning out already!
Oh, I see it thinning out already!
Used in a technical context to describe the physical scattering of a gas.
"dissipate" in a sentence
The heat from the engine began to dissipate quickly.
The heat from the engine began to dissipate quickly.
Don't dissipate your savings on things you don't really need.
Don't dissipate your savings on things you don't really need.
His initial anger dissipated once he realized it was just a misunderstanding.
His initial anger dissipated once he realized it was just a misunderstanding.
