French word

dissiper

Pronunciation

IPA/disipe/

Meaning

  • verbclear up

Example

Cette conversation va dissiper le malentendu.

This conversation will clear up the misunderstanding.

Illustration for dissiper (clear up)

More examples

Les débats publics peuvent dissiper les préjugés.

Public debates can dispel prejudices.

Core concept

A cloud thins and clears until nothing blocks the view, like a worry or uncertainty fading from the mind.

Common phrases

  • dissiper les préjugés

    dispel prejudices

  • dissiper la fumée

    disperse the smoke

Similar words

éclaircir: Explain a confusing point or misunderstanding so it becomes clear.
lever: Remove doubt and show that there is no problem.
rassurer: Ease anxiety or worry through words or reassuring behavior.

Definition in French

Faire cesser ou atténuer progressivement une sensation, une inquiétude ou une incertitude.

Word origin

Dissiper comes from Latin dissipare, meaning 'to scatter apart', and French extended this image from dispersed matter to fading sensations, worries, and uncertainties.

Usage tips

  • Dissiper takes a direct object, as in dissiper un malentendu, without a preposition before the thing being dispelled.

Other meanings

  • dispelverb
  • scatterverb
  • drive awayverb

Opposites

Related words

  • dissipationdissipationnoun
  • dissipéscatterbrainedadjective

Word lists with this word