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

“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

But there is some low-hanging fruit to dispense with.

From Slate

I’ll say it plainly, then, and dispense with the pretense: Based on nothing but my own want, I predict Kamala Harris will win this election.

From Slate

Los Angeles-based fast-casual restaurant Sweetgreen has been testing what the company calls its “Infinite Kitchen” that uses machines to dispense and mix salad ingredients that humans then put the finishing touches on.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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