Dismissing
/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo send someone or something away, or to reject something.
/dɪsˈmɪs/
To order or allow someone to leave; send away.
The judge dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.
💡 Simply: Think of when school is over, and the teacher says, 'Okay, you're dismissed!' It means you can go home or do whatever you're supposed to do. It’s like telling someone to leave or stop.
👶 For kids: To tell someone they can go home or stop doing something.
More Examples
The principal dismissed the assembly early.
After the meeting, the director dismissed the staff.
How It's Used
"The teacher dismissed the students at 3:30 PM."
"The company dismissed the employee due to poor performance."
To treat something or someone as not worthy of consideration; reject.
/dɪsˈmɪs/
To treat something or someone as unimportant.
He dismissed her objections without a second thought.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone is trying to tell you something important, but you brush it off and act like it's not a big deal. That’s dismissing something – basically, ignoring it.
👶 For kids: To act like something isn't important.
More Examples
The scientist dismissed the initial findings as inconclusive.
The author dismissed the critic's review.
How It's Used
"The candidate dismissed the opposing views as irrelevant."
"She dismissed his concerns about the budget."
To remove someone from a position or job, or from a meeting.
/dɪsˈmɪs/
To remove someone from a position or job.
The new manager dismissed the staff after a reorganization.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone is being removed from a job. That's what we mean. Also if a judge ends the trial.
👶 For kids: To send someone home from work.
More Examples
The board of directors decided to dismiss the CEO.
The judge dismissed the jury for the day.
How It's Used
"The company had to dismiss several employees due to budget cuts."
"The judge dismissed the jury for the day."
Idioms & expressions
Dismissal with prejudice
A legal term meaning the case cannot be brought back to court.
"The judge ruled for dismissal with prejudice, meaning the plaintiff could not file the case again."
Dismissal without prejudice
A legal term that means that the case can be brought back to court.
"The court issued a dismissal without prejudice, allowing the case to be refiled."
From Middle English *dismissen*, from Old French *dismisser* (“to send away, discharge”), from Latin *dīmissus*, past participle of *dīmitto* (“to send away, dismiss”), from *dis-* (“away, apart”) + *mitto* (“to send”).
The word 'dismiss' has been used since the 14th century, initially meaning 'to send away'. Its meaning expanded to include rejection and removal from position over time.
Memory tip
Imagine the teacher DISMISSES the students, meaning they're free to go.
Word Origin
"to send away"