Dismissal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dismissal

[dษชsหˆmษชsษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

workplace

The act of officially removing someone from their job; the state of being removed from a job.

Synonyms

firing, sacking, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dismissal

Formal context, often used in legal or official settings when someone is removed from their position.

  • The employee is considering filing an appeal against his dismissal.
  • The company stated that the dismissal was due to misconduct.
sacking

Very informal, often British English, sometimes with a negative or colloquial tone, indicating someone was abruptly let go from their job.

  • He was given the sack after just two weeks.
  • The boss decided on a sacking spree, letting go of multiple employees.
firing

Informal context, commonly used in everyday conversation when someone is let go from their job.

  • He was worried about getting fired because of his poor performance.
  • She told me she was fired last week and is now looking for a new job.
termination

Formal context, particularly in contractual or HR settings, referring to the end of employment.

  • The termination of his contract came as a surprise.
  • Termination procedures must be followed according to company policy.

Examples of usage

  • She received a dismissal letter from her boss.
  • His dismissal came as a shock to the team.
  • The dismissal of the employee was due to budget cuts.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

The act of ordering or allowing someone to leave; the act of sending someone away; the act of officially ending a court case.

Synonyms

acquittal, discharge, exoneration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dismissal

Typically used in legal settings to indicate that a case is being closed without a trial. It can also refer to being removed from a job or position.

  • The judge ordered the dismissal of the case due to lack of evidence.
  • The sudden dismissal of the employee raised many questions.
discharge

Used in both legal and medical settings; in law, it can mean releasing someone from their legal obligations or charges, while in medical contexts it means the release of a patient from a hospital.

  • The court ordered the discharge of the defendant from probation.
  • She was happy to receive her discharge papers from the hospital.
acquittal

Used specifically in legal contexts when someone is found not guilty of criminal charges after a trial.

  • The defendant celebrated his acquittal after months of a lengthy trial.
  • The jury's acquittal came as a surprise to many.
exoneration

Used in a legal context to indicate that someone has been declared completely innocent of any wrongdoing, often after initial guilt was assumed.

  • The new evidence led to his exoneration, clearing his name.
  • The exoneration of the wrongly accused individual was a significant moment in the trial.

Examples of usage

  • The judge ordered the dismissal of the case due to lack of evidence.
  • The dismissal of the witness angered the prosecution.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

The act of sending a player off the field by a referee, usually as a punishment.

Synonyms

banishment, ejection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dismissal

Use this word when someone is being asked to leave a job or position. It is formal and often related to employment or official duties.

  • After the scandal, the company's board decided on her dismissal
  • His repeated tardiness led to his dismissal from the team
ejection

Apply this word when someone is being forcefully made to leave a place, usually an event, building, or public area. It often implies physical removal.

  • Due to his disruptive behavior, he faced ejection from the concert
  • The referee ordered the player's ejection from the game
banishment

This term is used in a formal or historical context when someone is being sent away and is not allowed to return. It carries a strong, often negative connotation involving exile.

  • The traitor faced banishment from the kingdom
  • For his crimes, he was sentenced to banishment

Examples of usage

  • The dismissal of the player for his rough tackling changed the course of the match.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In law, a dismissal can refer to a judgeโ€™s decision to end a case before it goes to trial.
  • There are various types of dismissals in court, including 'without prejudice' (the case can be brought again) and 'with prejudice' (it cannot be brought again).
  • Employment dismissals often require a process to ensure fairness and legality in the workplace.

Educational Insights

  • In an educational setting, dismissal relates to the end of a school day, signaling it's time for students to go home.
  • Teachers often give verbal or written notifications for dismissals, ensuring clarity in communication.
  • A schoolโ€™s policy on dismissal can ensure safety, guiding how and when students leave the premises.

Psychological Perspective

  • Dismissal can impact individualsโ€™ self-esteem, especially if it's perceived as rejection or failure.
  • Studying how people deal with dismissal reveals insights into coping mechanisms and resilience.
  • Psychologists emphasize the importance of constructive feedback over outright dismissal for personal growth.

Cultural Reference

  • In popular media, dismissal often features as a turning point for characters, symbolizing change or new beginnings.
  • Songs and literature frequently explore themes of dismissal, reflecting human feelings around rejection and acceptance.
  • Cultural attitudes toward dismissal can vary, with some societies viewing it as a necessary part of growth, while others see it more negatively.

Origin of 'dismissal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'dimittere', which means 'to send away'.
  • In the late 14th century, it was used in English as 'dismiss', evolving into 'dismissal' as a noun.
  • Its original roots suggest the idea of releasing or letting something go.

The word 'dismissal' originated from the Latin word 'dismissus', which means 'sent away'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 15th century. Over the years, 'dismissal' has evolved to encompass various contexts, including workplace, legal, and sports. The concept of dismissal reflects the idea of removal or separation, whether from a job, a legal case, or a sports event.


See also: dismissed, dismissing, dismission, dismissive.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,899 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.