Middle English Dictionary Entry

dissolven v.
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Entry Info

Forms dissolven v. Also des(s)olven.
Etymology L

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To break up or dissolve (a solid); ~ to (into), reduce (a solid) to (a liquid), liquify; (b) of a solid: to break up or melt; of dew: evaporate; of a cloud: to break up, vanish; -- also used fig.
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2.
(a) To decompose or destroy (sth.); (b) to disintegrate, come to naught.
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3.
(a) To separate (things or parts of a whole); ~ fro, remove (one thing) from (another); refl. separate or be discharged; (b) ~ out, to release (sth.) from (sth. else).
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4.
(a) To disband (an assemblage), dissolve (a parliament); (b) to break up (a siege).
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5.
Physiol. & med. (a) To reduce or waste (vitality, etc.), weaken (an organ, a person), lower (body temperature); (b) to break up or dissipate (a morbid condition).
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6.
(a) To separate (the body from the soul); (b) to free (sb.) from the burden of life on earth, cause (sb.) to die; (c) to relieve (sb. of illness); (d) to free (sb. from the Devil).
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7.
(a) To break (a pledge or vow); (b) to disown (Christ); (c) to annul (a body of law).
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8.
?To dilate or distend (sth.).
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9.
(a) To resolve (a question); (b) to refute (an argument).
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