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Definition of dismissal

dismissal

/dɪsˈmɪs.əl/
dis · mis · sal
Adverb:dismissively
•
Plural:dismissals
•
Adjective:dismissive
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dismissal Lexical Profile

dismissal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act of ordering or allowing someone to leave, especially the formal termination of a person's employment or removal from an official position.

Example

"The employee filed an appeal claiming that his sudden dismissal from the company was unjust."

2

The act of treating an idea, feeling, or claim as unworthy of serious consideration.

Example

"Her quick dismissal of the safety concerns worried the engineering team."

3

A formal decision by a judge or court to end a legal case without imposing liability or proceeding to a full trial.

Example

"The defense attorney filed a motion for the dismissal of all charges due to insufficient evidence."

4

British The termination of a batter's innings by the fielding side in the game of cricket.

Example

"The bowler celebrated his third dismissal of the afternoon after taking a sharp catch."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for dismissal

• Nearby Words

dismember
dismemberment
dismiss
dismissal
dismissible
dismissive
dismissively

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from the verb 'dismiss' plus the noun-forming suffix '-al'. 'Dismiss' derives from the Latin 'dimissus', the past participle of 'dimittere' (meaning 'to send away'), formed from 'dis-' (apart) and 'mittere' (to send).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dismissal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dismissal
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