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

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 • Feb. 26, 2026

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 • Feb. 26, 2026

Occupants of the office were assumed to be people of high integrity and good character, qualities considered necessary to remind Americans of the commitment to dispense justice fairly and impartially.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

The spokesperson also said the amount pharmacies are reimbursed for medicines they dispense is set in consultation with sector representatives, using data on what they pay suppliers.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

In fact, he envisioned a prison system that would dispense with them altogether.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

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