verb
dissipate
DIS-ih-payt/ˈdɪsɪpeɪt/
To scatter or expend until little remains.
Smoke from the extinguished candle dissipates until its last traces disappear.
Etymology
“Apart” and “scatter” give the image of something spreading in all directions. The meaning extends from driving something off to its becoming so dispersed that it fades or vanishes.
In context
everyday they're running cooling towers over there to dissipate the additional heat which we all generate
More examples
- The morning fog dissipates as the sun warms the air.
- Her reassuring smile helps dissipate the tension.
- He dissipated his inheritance through years of reckless spending.
Forms
dissipate · dissipates · dissipated · dissipating
dissipation noun — Gradual dispersal or wasteful use of resources.