Dissolve: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when a solid mixes completely with a liquid and becomes part of it.

• Sugar dissolves in water
• The medicine dissolves in the patient’s stomach

Use when explaining something breaking into small parts or fragments, often into a powder or dust, typically through decay or destruction.

• The paper began to disintegrate over time
• The spaceship disintegrated upon re-entering the atmosphere

Use when a solid turns into a liquid specifically by heating it.

• The ice cream began to melt in the sun
• You need to melt the chocolate before adding it to the mixture

Use when a solid turns into a liquid due to heat or a chemical reaction.

• The butter will liquefy when you heat it
• The chemical process can liquefy the solids in the mixture

This word is frequently used for formally breaking up organizations, such as companies, clubs, or councils. It can also mean causing a solid to become part of a liquid.

• The board decided to dissolve the committee due to inactivity.
• The sugar will dissolve in the water if you stir it.

This is a formal term often used in legal, employment, or contractual contexts to describe bringing something to a definitive end. It can have a negative connotation, especially in relation to job loss.

• The company had to terminate the contract due to non-compliance.
• Unfortunately, we have to terminate your employment with immediate effect.

This is a general term for bringing something to a conclusion or stopping an activity. It is very versatile and can be used in personal, professional, or general contexts.

• We need to end the meeting by 5 PM.
• Their friendship ended over a misunderstanding.

This term is often used when a group of people, especially formal groups like teams, bands, or military units, is broken up. It suggests the group will no longer operate together.

• After years of touring, the band decided to disband.
• The scout troop will disband after the summer camp.

When you want to describe the process of ending something gradually, like organizations or physical substances mixing into a liquid.

• The committee was dissolved after completing its task.
• The sugar dissolved in the tea.

When a group or organization, especially one that operates together, is formally broken up or dismissed.

• The band decided to disband after their final concert.
• The organization disbanded due to lack of funding.

When talking about taking something apart piece by piece, such as structures, machines, or systems.

• The mechanic dismantled the engine to find the problem.
• The committee aimed to dismantle the old administration system.

When you refer to ending or stopping something abruptly, often used in formal or official contexts.

• The employee's contract was terminated due to misconduct.
• They decided to terminate the project due to budget constraints.