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

• abjection
• corruption
• corruptness
• debasement
• debauchery
• decadence
• decadency
• degeneracy
• degenerateness
• degeneration
• degradation
• demoralization
• depravity
• dissipatedness
• dissoluteness
• libertinage
• libertinism
• perversion
• pervertedness
• rakishness
• turpitude

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

It’s also wrapped in a breathable cover that helps with heat dissipation. —Lindsay Boyers, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2024

In September, the Brown family patriarch reflected on his regrets following the dissipation of his marriages. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

Best for: Those who want the ultimate softness and luxury of down. $390 Parachute Shop Now Saatva Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper Key features: Graphite infusion for heat dissipation, contouring memory foam. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2024

There's better heat dissipation to improve thermal performance too—by up to 30 percent over the iPhone 15 when gaming on the iPhone 16. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see dissipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

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