<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>to make a solution of, as by mixing with a liquid; pass into solution: to dissolve salt in water</li><li>to melt; liquefy: to dissolve sugar into syrup</li><li>to undo (a tie or bond); break up (a connection, union, etc.)</li><li>Synonyms: loosen, sever</li><li>to break up (an assembly or organization); dismiss; disperse</li><li>Government: to order the termination of (a parliament or other legislative body)</li><li>Synonyms: adjourn</li><li>to bring to an end; terminate; destroy: to dissolve one's hopes</li><li>to separate into parts or elements; disintegrate</li><li>to destroy the binding power or influence of: to dissolve a spell</li><li>Law: to deprive of force; abrogate; annul: to dissolve a marriage</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to become dissolved, as in a solvent</li><li>to become melted or liquefied</li><li>to disintegrate, break up, or disperse</li><li>to lose force, intensity, or strength</li><li>to disappear gradually; fade away</li><li>to break down emotionally; lose one's composure: The poor child dissolved in tears</li><li>Movies, Television: to fade out one shot or scene while simultaneously fading in the next, overlapping the two during the process</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Also called lap dissolve, Movies, Television: a transition from one scene to the next made by dissolving</li></ul>