Dismissal means sending someone away or deciding that something isn't worth your attention or consideration. When a teacher announces dismissal at the end of the school day, students are released to go home. When a judge orders the dismissal of a case in court, she's deciding it shouldn't continue because there isn't enough evidence or legal basis for it.

The word often carries a sense of finality or rejection. If your principal dismisses your concerns about the cafeteria food, he's deciding they're not important enough to address. When someone dismissively waves their hand at your idea, they're brushing it aside without really listening. This kind of dismissal can sting because it feels like you or your thoughts don't matter.

In sports, particularly cricket, dismissal means getting a batter out. When a bowler achieves a dismissal, the batter must leave the field.

A dismissive attitude treats others' ideas or feelings as unimportant. If someone constantly dismisses what you say, they're not giving you fair consideration. Some things genuinely deserve dismissal: a ridiculous rumor spreading through your grade, or a clearly false excuse from someone who forgot their homework.