dispense

[ dih-spens ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·pensed, dis·pens·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, dis·pensed, dis·pens·ing.

1. to grant dispensation.

noun

1. Obsolete. expenditure.

verb phrase

1. 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

/ 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. intrfoll bywith 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

Usage

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

Other Words From

• undis·pensed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispense¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispense¹

C14: from Medieval Latin dispensāre to pardon, from Latin dispendere to weigh out, from dis- ¹+ pendere to weigh

Synonym Study

See distribute.

Example Sentences

Even in Maryland, pharmacists are allowed to refuse to dispense medication abortion pills.

From Salon

We could start by parsing the jokes, gags, and laugh-riots that the president-elect and his allies crassly dispensed in the final weeks of the race.

From Salon

“Let's dispense with any idea that climate finance is charity. An ambitious new climate finance goal is entirely in the self-interest of every nation, including the largest and wealthiest,” he told delegates.

From BBC

Each service varies in how they dispense these discharges, too.

From Los Angeles Times

These days there’s no such thing as “insider” knowledge that isn’t immediately dispensed to millions of people on social media and then distorted into false certainty.

From Salon

Related Words

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