dissolve

Formsdissolves, dissolving, dissolved

Pluraldissolves

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To mix a solid into a liquid until it breaks apart and becomes part of it.

   Like sugar disappearing into a cup of tea.

   Stir the powder slowly to dissolve it in warm water.

   She dissolved the sugar in her tea before taking a sip.

   Oppositeprecipitate, crystallize

   Note
2. 2
   verbintransitive

   To break apart and mix into a liquid until it disappears into it.

   Like a snowflake vanishing the moment it lands in warm water.

   Sugar dissolves quickly in hot water.

   The tablet will dissolve if you drop it into a glass of water.

   Oppositeprecipitate, crystallize

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To make something break down and disappear completely.

   Like an eraser slowly rubbing out a pencil mark.

   Time can dissolve even the strongest friendships.

   The scandal dissolved his good reputation within a single week.

   Similardispel, shatter, destroy, dash, crush

   Oppositestrengthen, cement

4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To officially end a group, marriage, or organization.

   Like taking apart a tower of blocks until nothing stands.

   The members voted to dissolve the club after years of decline.

   The king dissolved Parliament and called for new elections.

   Similardisband, terminate, end, abolish

   Oppositeestablish, found

   Note
5. 5
   verbtransitive

   To cancel or end something legally, such as a contract or court order.

   Like tearing up a signed paper so it no longer counts.

   The court can dissolve a marriage if both partners agree.

   The judge dissolved the order that had frozen the company's funds.

   Similarannul, rescind, revoke, cancel, void

   Oppositeuphold, confirm, validate, ratify

   Note
6. 6
   verbtransitive

   To turn a solid into a liquid, usually by heating it.

   Like an ice cube turning to water on a hot day.

   The sun's heat will dissolve the wax into a thin pool.

   Gentle warmth dissolved the butter into a smooth liquid.

   Similarmelt

   Oppositesolidify, freeze, harden, congeal

   Note
7. 7
   verbintransitive

   To melt and turn into a liquid.

   Like chocolate going soft and runny in a warm hand.

   The wax began to dissolve near the flame.

   Snow dissolves into water as the temperature rises.

   Similarmelt, liquefy, thaw

   Oppositesolidify, freeze, harden

8. 8
   verbtransitive

   To break something apart so its joined pieces no longer hold together.

   Like untying a knot until the rope falls into two loose ends.

   Stress can dissolve the close ties within a family.

   The new policy dissolved the link between the two departments.

   Similarsever, loosen, break, unravel, undo

   Oppositebind, join, connect, unite

   Note
9. 9
   verbtransitive

   To force a group of people to break up and move apart.

   Like a gust of wind scattering a pile of dry leaves.

   Police moved in to dissolve the crowd before nightfall.

   The loud alarm dissolved the gathering in seconds.

   Similardisperse, scatter, disband

   Oppositegather, assemble, convene

10. 10
    verbintransitive

    In film, to change from one shot to the next as the first fades out and the second fades in.

    Like one picture slowly fading away while another appears in its place.

    The scene dissolves into a quiet shot of the empty house.

    Let the image dissolve before the credits roll.

    Similarfade, segue, crossfade

    Oppositecut

    Note

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