dissolve

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Dissolved p. pr. & vb. n. Dissolving. ] [ L. dissolvere, dissolutum; dis- + solvere to loose, free. See Solve, and cf. Dissolute. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Lest his ungoverned rage dissolve the life. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To break the continuity of; to disconnect; to disunite; to sunder; to loosen; to undo; to separate. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nothing can dissolve us. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Down fell the duke, his joints dissolved asunder. Fairfax. [ 1913 Webster ]

For one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another. The Declaration of Independence. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To convert into a liquid by means of heat, moisture, etc., ; to melt; to liquefy; to soften. [ 1913 Webster ]

As if the world were all dissolved to tears. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To solve; to clear up; to resolve. “Dissolved the mystery.” Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

Make interpretations and dissolve doubts. Dan. v. 16. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To relax by pleasure; to make powerless. [ 1913 Webster ]

Angels dissolved in hallelujahs lie. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Law) To annul; to rescind; to discharge or release; as, to dissolve an injunction.

Syn. -- See Adjourn. [ 1913 Webster ]