First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
dismiss
verb dis·miss \dis-ˈmis\
: to decide not to think about or consider (something or someone)
: to send (someone) away : to cause or allow (someone) to leave
: to officially make (someone) leave a job : to end the employment or service of (someone)
Full Definition of DISMISS
transitive verb
1
: to permit or cause to leave <dismissed the visitors>
2
: to remove from position or service : discharge <dismissed the thievish servant>
3
a : to reject serious consideration of <dismissed the thought> b : to put out of judicial consideration <dismissed all charges>
— dis·mis·sion \-ˈmi-shən\ noun
— dis·mis·sive \-ˈmi-siv\ adjective
— dis·mis·sive·ly adverb
See dismiss defined for English-language learners
See dismiss defined for kids
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Origin of DISMISS
Middle English, modification of Latin dimissus, past participle of dimittere, from dis- + mittere to send
Related to DISMISS
DISMISS Defined for Kids
dismiss
verb dis·miss \dis-ˈmis\
dis·misseddis·miss·ing
Definition of DISMISS for Kids
1
: to allow or cause to leave <dismiss a class>
2
: to remove from a job or position <She dismissed her assistant.>
3
: to decide not to think about <He dismissed the criticism.>
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