dispense

American  

[dih-spens] / dɪˈspɛns /

verb (used with object)

dispensed, dispensing

1. to deal out; distribute.

   to dispense wisdom.

   Synonyms:

   dole, allot, apportion

2. to administer.

   to dispense the law without bias.

3. Pharmacology. to make up and distribute (medicine), especially on prescription.

4. Roman Catholic Church. to grant dispensation.

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verb (used without object)

dispensed, dispensing

1. to grant dispensation.

noun

1. Obsolete. expenditure.

verb phrase

1. dispense with

   1. to do without; forgo.

      to dispense with preliminaries.

   2. to do away with; rid of.

   3. to grant exemption from a law or promise.

dispense British  

/ dɪˈspɛns /

verb

1. (tr) to give out or issue in portions

2. (tr) to prepare and distribute (medicine), esp on prescription

3. (tr) to administer (the law, etc)

4. to do away (with) or manage (without)

5. to grant a dispensation to (someone) from (some obligation of church law)

6. to exempt or excuse from a rule or obligation

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Usage

Dispense with is sometimes wrongly used where dispose of is meant: this task can be disposed of (not dispensed with ) quickly and easily

Related Words

See distribute.

Other Word Forms

• undispensed adjective

Etymology

Origin of dispense

1275–1325; Middle English dispensen < Medieval Latin dispēnsāre to pardon, exempt, Latin: to pay out, distribute, equivalent to dis- dis- ¹ + pēnsāre, frequentative of pendere to weigh

Example Sentences

The new feature can dispense personalized healthcare advice that’s informed by medical records and personal health data, if users choose to upload them.

From The Wall Street Journal

The panel will also examine whether he discriminated unfairly by "dispensing special favours or privileges".

From BBC

Since 2007, Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip, where it has functioned both as a military force and a de facto government dispensing social services.

From Los Angeles Times

Welcome to “Comedy & ‘Therapy,’ ” a monthly event at the cafe Coffee Confessionals, in which comedians on stage dispense advice to audience members in the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

Japanese researchers have unveiled a robot monk powered by AI that they say can dispense spiritual advice, and which could one day ease shortages of its human counterparts.

From Barron's

Related Words

• allocate
• allot
• disburse
• distribute
• furnish
• give away
• hand out