dismiss

Everyday

1. To send people away or let them leave: «Class dismissed!» tree →
2. To decide that an idea or feeling is not worth thinking about. tree →
3. To remove someone from their job. tree →
4. (law) To end a court case without a trial. tree →
5. (cricket) To get a batter out. tree →

In the lessons

In school, a teacher dismisses the class at the end of a lesson. In stories and arguments, dismissing an idea tells you a character thinks it is silly. In adult life, an employer may dismiss a worker. In cricket, a bowler dismisses a batter. Phrases: «class dismissed», «dismiss an idea», «dismiss out of hand», «dismissed from his job».

Examples

• The teacher dismissed the class at three o'clock. tree →
• Class dismissed! tree →
• She dismissed my idea as too silly. tree →
• Don't dismiss your worries; talk to someone. tree →
• The manager dismissed the worker for stealing. tree →
• The judge dismissed the case. tree →
• The bowler dismissed three batters in one over. tree →
• He dismissed the rumour with a laugh. tree →
• There he dismisses his warriors, presents them with their horses and harness, and gives them leave to ride home and greet his wife. tree →

Note

Regular verb; double «s» at the end: dismisses, dismissed. Noun: dismissal. «Dismiss» someone from a job is formal; everyday is «sack» or «fire». Adjective: dismissive.