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

Power inevitably concentrates around the president, with his authority to dispense government funds.

From BBC

That’s when you hear the offending “non-offensive” conversation starters pour out of your mouth like it’s a faulty vending machine dispensing candy corn, and everyone hates that stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

Guardiola prefers to work with a tighter squad of elite players and is notoriously reluctant to keep those who may wish to move on - often dispensing with them ruthlessly.

From BBC

The prime minister also announced a series of government measures to combat violence against women, including funding for pharmacies to dispense home drug test kits under a pilot scheme to fight chemical submission.

From BBC

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

From Salon

Related Words

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