dissipate
UK: ˈdɪs.ɪ.peɪt | US: ˈdɪs.ə.peɪt
vt. to scatter or disperse something (e.g., energy, resources, attention)
vi. to gradually disappear or waste away
dissipate = dis<apart> + sip<pour> + ate<verb suffix>
- dis-: Prefix meaning "apart" or "away" (Latin origin).
- sip-: Root derived from Latin supare (to throw or pour), implying dispersion.
- -ate: Verb-forming suffix indicating action.
Etymology Origin:
The word "dissipate" traces back to Latin dissipare (to scatter), combining dis- (apart) and supare (to throw). It originally described physical scattering (e.g., wind dissipating clouds) and later expanded metaphorically to wasting resources or energy. The core logic lies in the image of "pouring things apart."
The morning sun helped dissipate the fog.
He tends to dissipate his energy on trivial tasks.
The crowd began to dissipate after the concert ended.
Her savings dissipated quickly after she lost her job.
The teacher’s stern look dissipated the students’ chatter.