Definition of the word dissipate

The word "dissipate" has its origins in the 14th century. It comes from the Latin word "dissipare," which means "to scatter" or "to disperse." This Latin word is a combination of "dis-" meaning "apart" and "sipare" meaning "to clean" or "to scatter." Initially, the English word "dissipate" meant to scatter or waste something, such as resources or energy. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the idea of dissipating or feling away, such as dissipating heat or dissipating a crowd. In modern usage, "dissipate" can also mean to ruin or destroy something, such as dissipating a reputation or dissipating one's savings. Despite its negative connotations, the word "dissipate" has been a part of the English language for over 600 years.