to make a solution of, as by mixing with a liquid; pass into solution

to dissolve salt in water.

to melt; liquefy

to dissolve sugar into syrup.

to undo (a tie or bond); break up (a connection, union, etc.).

to break up (an assembly or organization); dismiss; disperse.

Government . to order the termination of (a parliament or other legislative body).

to bring to an end; terminate; destroy

to dissolve one's hopes.

to separate into parts or elements; disintegrate.

to destroy the binding power or influence of

to dissolve a spell.

Law . to deprive of force; abrogate; annul

to dissolve a marriage.

to become dissolved, as in a solvent.

to become melted or liquefied.

to disintegrate, break up, or disperse.

to lose force, intensity, or strength.

to disappear gradually; fade away.

to break down emotionally; lose one's composure

The poor child dissolved in tears.

Movies, Television . to fade out one shot or scene while simultaneously fading in the next, overlapping the two during the process.

Also called lap dissolve , cross-dissolve. Movies, Television . a transition from one scene to the next made by dissolving.