dissolve

UK: dɪˈzɒlv | US: dɪˈzɑːlv

Definition
  1. vt. to cause a solid substance to become incorporated into a liquid so as to form a solution

  2. vi. to become incorporated into a liquid; to disappear or disperse

  3. vt. to formally end or terminate (e.g., a partnership or assembly)

Structure
dis <apart>solve <loosen>
Etymology

The word "dissolve" originates from Latin dissolvere, combining dis- (apart) and solvere (to loosen). The morpheme solve retains its core meaning of "loosening" or "freeing," while dis- intensifies the action as separation. Over time, the term evolved from physical disintegration (e.g., sugar in water) to abstract endings (e.g., dissolving a contract), reflecting the logic of "undoing by loosening."

Examples
  1. Salt will dissolve faster in warm water.

  2. The parliament voted to dissolve the committee.

  3. The tablet dissolves completely within 30 seconds.

  4. Their disagreement seemed to dissolve after a heartfelt conversation.

  5. The company was legally dissolved in 2020.