dissolve

Definition

To terminate a union of multiple members actively, as by disbanding.

Etymology

Recorded since c. 1374 (displacing Old English toliesan) as Middle English dissolven, from Latin dissolvere (“to loosen up, break apart”) but with the sense from Anglo-Norman dissoldre (variant of Old French dissoudre), itself from dis- (“apart”) + solvere (“to loose, loosen”). By surface analysis, dis- + solve.

Example Sentences

• "The ruling party or coalition sometimes dissolves parliament early when the polls are favorable, hoping to reconvene with a larger majority."
• "as if the world were all dissolved to tears"
• "There was a legend that Cleopatra was accustomed to dissolve pearls in vinegar and drink the fluid in order to promote her amorousness."

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