How to Say "to dismiss" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to dismiss” is “despedir” — use this when talking about ending someone's employment or terminating a legal case.
despedir
des-peh-DEERdes.peˈðiɾ
Examples
Despidieron a Juan por llegar tarde todos los días.
They fired Juan for being late every day.
El jefe me dijo que si no mejoro, me despide.
The boss told me that if I don't improve, he will fire me.
Stem-Changing Verb
In many forms (like 'yo despido'), the 'e' in the stem changes to 'i'. This is a common pattern for 'ir' verbs like 'pedir' (to ask) and 'servir' (to serve).
descartar
des-kar-TARdeskaɾˈtaɾ
Examples
El médico descartó una fractura tras ver la radiografía.
The doctor ruled out a fracture after seeing the X-ray.
No podemos descartar ninguna posibilidad todavía.
We cannot rule out any possibility yet.
Han descartado mi propuesta por ser demasiado cara.
They have dismissed my proposal for being too expensive.
Medical Usage
In medical contexts, when a doctor says they 'rule out' a disease, they almost always use this verb.
Use with 'por'
When you say WHY something was ruled out, use the word 'por' (because of). For example: 'Descartado por falta de tiempo'.
Descartar vs. Rechazar
Mistake: “Rechacé la posibilidad de ir.”
Correction: Descarté la posibilidad de ir. (While similar, 'descartar' is better for logically eliminating options, whereas 'rechazar' feels more like a personal rejection.)
desechar
deh-seh-CHARdeseˈtʃaɾ
Examples
El comité desechó la propuesta por falta de presupuesto.
The committee rejected the proposal due to a lack of budget.
No deseches esa posibilidad todavía.
Don't rule out that possibility yet.
Desechó sus miedos y decidió viajar solo.
He dismissed his fears and decided to travel alone.
Abstract Usage
When using this word for thoughts or plans, it follows the same grammar as the physical meaning, but it sounds much more professional and sophisticated.
Rejecting people
Mistake: “Él desechó a su novia.”
Correction: Él rompió con su novia. We usually 'desechar' things or ideas, but using it for people sounds very cold, as if you are throwing them in the trash.
archivar
ar-chee-BARaɾtʃiˈβaɾ
Examples
Por favor, archiva estas facturas en la carpeta azul.
Please file these invoices in the blue folder.
He decidido archivar mis fotos antiguas en la nube.
I have decided to archive my old photos in the cloud.
El juez tuvo que archivar el caso por falta de pruebas.
The judge had to dismiss the case due to lack of evidence.
It's a regular -ar verb
Good news! This word follows the standard pattern for all -ar verbs. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you know how to conjugate 'archivar'.
Direct Object usage
You usually need to say WHAT you are filing immediately after the verb. For example: 'Lo archivo' (I file it).
Confusing file storage with file creation
Mistake: “Voy a archivar un nuevo informe (when you mean you are writing it).”
Correction: Use 'redactar' or 'crear' to make it; use 'archivar' only when you are finished and putting it away.
desestimar
dess-ess-tee-MARdesestiˈmaɾ
Examples
El juez decidió desestimar la demanda por falta de pruebas.
The judge decided to dismiss the lawsuit due to a lack of evidence.
El comité desestimó la propuesta inicial del proyecto.
The committee rejected the initial project proposal.
Si no completas los documentos, podrían desestimar tu solicitud.
If you don't complete the documents, they might dismiss your application.
It's a Regular Verb
Good news! This verb follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar.' No tricky stem changes to memorize.
Using 'que' after desestimar
When you want to say someone rejected 'that' something happened, follow the verb with 'que' and a clause.
Desestimar vs. Subestimar
Mistake: “No deberías desestimar mis habilidades.”
Correction: No deberías subestimar mis habilidades.
despachar
des-pah-CHARdespaˈt͡ʃaɾ
Examples
Despachó todos los correos en una hora.
He dealt with all the emails in an hour.
El jefe lo despachó sin darle explicaciones.
The boss dismissed him without giving any explanations.
Tenemos que despachar este asunto hoy mismo.
We have to settle/finish this matter this very day.
Handling actions
When used for tasks, this word implies speed and efficiency. It’s like saying 'to knock out' a task in English.
césar
Examples
La lluvia cesó justo antes de que empezara el partido.
The rain ceased just before the match began.
Distinguishing 'Despedir' from 'Descartar'
Related Translations
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