Dismissal: meaning, definitions and examples

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dismissal

 

[dɪsˈmɪsəl ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

Legal Context

  • In law, a dismissal can refer to a judge’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 school’s policy on dismissal can ensure safety, guiding how and when students leave the premises.

Psychological Perspective

  • Dismissal can impact individuals’ 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "dismissal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 demissão

🇮🇳 निष्कासन

🇩🇪 Entlassung

🇮🇩 pemecatan

🇺🇦 звільнення

🇵🇱 zwolnienie

🇯🇵 解雇

🇫🇷 licenciement

🇪🇸 despido

🇹🇷 kovulma

🇰🇷 해고

🇸🇦 إقالة

🇨🇿 propuštění

🇸🇰 prepustenie

🇨🇳 解雇

🇸🇮 odpuščanje

🇮🇸 uppsögn

🇰🇿 қызметтен босату

🇬🇪 გათავისუფლება

🇦🇿 işdən çıxarılma

🇲🇽 despido

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.