v. 1 a tr. send away, cause to leave one's presence, disperse; disband (an assembly or army). b intr. (of an assembly etc.) disperse; break ranks. 2 tr. discharge from employment, office, etc., esp. dishonourably. 3 tr. put out of one's thoughts; cease to feel or discuss (dismissed him from memory). 4 tr. treat (a subject) summarily (dismissed his application). 5 tr. Law refuse further hearing to (a case); send out of court. 6 tr. Cricket put (a batsman or a side) out (was dismissed for 75 runs). 7 intr. (in imper.) Mil. a word of command at the end of drilling. dismissal n. dismissible adj. dismission n.
[ ME, orig. as past part. after OF desmis f. med.L dismissus (as DIS-, L mittere miss- send) ]