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Entry 9 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Dissolve

/dĭz-älv'/ · Dis·solve · IPA /dɪˈzɑlv/
01 v. t. To separate into competent parts; to disorganize; to break up; hence, to bring to an end by separating the parts, sundering a relation, etc…
imp. & p. p. Dissolved; p. pr. & vb. n. Dissolving
  1. 1.
    To separate into competent parts; to disorganize; to break up; hence, to bring to an end by separating the parts, sundering a relation, etc.; to terminate; to destroy; to deprive of force; as, to dissolve a partnership; to dissolve Parliament.
    “Lest his ungoverned rage dissolve the life.” — Shak.
  2. 2.
    To break the continuity of; to disconnect; to disunite; to sunder; to loosen; to undo; to separate.
    “Nothing can dissolve us.” — Shak.
    “Down fell the duke, his joints dissolved asunder.” — Fairfax.
    “For one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another.” — The Declaration of Independence.
  3. 3.
    To convert into a liquid by means of heat, moisture, etc.,; to melt; to liquefy; to soften.
    “As if the world were all dissolved to tears.” — Shak.
  4. 4.
    To solve; to clear up; to resolve.
    “Make interpretations and dissolve doubts.” — Dan. v. 16.
  5. 5.
    To relax by pleasure; to make powerless.
    “Angels dissolved in hallelujahs lie.” — Dryden.
  6. 6.
    To annul; to rescind; to discharge or release; as, to dissolve an injunction.(Law)
Syn. See Adjourn.
02 v. i. To waste away; to be dissipated; to be decomposed or broken up.
  1. 1.
    To waste away; to be dissipated; to be decomposed or broken up.
  2. 2.
    To become fluid; to be melted; to be liquefied.
    “A figure Trenched in ice, which with an hour's heat Dissolves to water, and doth lose his form.” — Shak.
  3. 3.
    To fade away; to fall to nothing; to lose power.
    “The charm dissolves apace.” — Shak.