dismiss

verb

dis·miss dis-ˈmis

dismissed; dismissing; dismisses

Synonyms of dismiss next

transitive verb

: to permit or cause (someone) to leave

dismiss the visitors

Class is dismissed.

: to remove from position or service : discharge

He was dismissed [=fired] from his job.

Several employees were recently dismissed.

: to reject serious consideration of (something or someone)

dismissed the thought

dismissed her as an amateur

law : to put (an action) out of judicial consideration : to refuse to hear (an action) or to hear (an action) further in court

dismiss all charges

This case is dismissed.

: to put out (a batsman) in cricket

dismission

dis-ˈmi-shən

noun

Examples of dismiss in a Sentence

I don't think we should dismiss the matter lightly. The students were dismissed early because of the snowstorm. Several employees were recently dismissed.

Recent Examples on the Web After jurors were dismissed for the day on Thursday, prosecutors and defense lawyers argued to the judge about whether details from Nadine Menendez's relationship with an ex-boyfriend could be used in court. —

Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 1 July 2024 His citation docket initiative seeks to address those low-level offenses with citations and an offer to complete community service in exchange for dismissing the case. —

Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2024 Indeed, McIntyre dismissed two of the four claims against the Recording Academy in a March filing. —

Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2024 If Baldwins’ attorneys fail in their latest effort to have the charges dismissed, the actor will go on trial, starting July 8. —

Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for dismiss

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dismiss.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, modification of Latin dimissus, past participle of dimittere, from dis- + mittere to send

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of dismiss was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dismiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismiss. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

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Kids Definition

dismiss

verb

dis·miss dis-ˈmis

: to send away : cause or allow to go

dismissed the troops

: to discharge from office, service, or employment

: to put aside or out of mind

dismiss the thought

: to refuse further judicial hearing or consideration to

the judge dismissed the charge

dismissal

-ˈmis-əl

noun

dismissive

-ˈmis-iv

adjective

dismissively adverb

Etymology

derived from Latin dimissus, past participle of dimittere "to send away," from di-, dis- "away, apart," and mittere "to send, throw" — related to emit

Legal Definition

dismiss

transitive verb

dis·miss

: to remove from position or service

dismissed the employee

: to bring about or order the dismissal of (an action)

the suit was dismissed

intransitive verb

: to bring about or order a dismissal

the plaintiff moved to dismiss

Last Updated: 4 Jul 2024 - Updated example sentences

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dismiss

verb

Synonyms

Examples of dismiss in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near dismiss

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition