Dictionary entry

Dissipation

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Dis′si‐pa″tion (?), n. [L. dissipatio: cf. F. dissipation.] 1. The act of dissipating or dispersing; a state of dispersion or separation; dispersion; waste.

Without loss or dissipation of the matter. Bacon.

The famous dissipation of mankind. Sir M. Hale.

2. A dissolute course of life, in which health, money, etc., are squandered in pursuit of pleasure; profuseness in vicious indulgence, as late hours, riotous living, etc.; dissoluteness.

To reclaim the spendthrift from his dissipation and extravagance. P. Henry.

3. A trifle which wastes time or distracts attention.

Prevented from finishing them a thousand avocations and dissipations. Swift.

Dissipation of energy. Same as Degradation of energy, under Degradation.