dispense with

1. Manage without, forgo, as in We can dispense with the extra help . Shakespeare had this idiom in Timon of Athens (3:2): “Men must learn now with pity to dispense.” [c. 1600]

2. Exempt one from a law, promise, or obligation, as in He asked the court to dispense with swearing on the Bible . This usage originally applied to religious obligations (to which the Pope granted dispensation ). [Early 1500s]

3. Get rid of, do away with, as in The European Union is trying to dispense with tariff barriers . [Late 1500s]

Related Words

• abolish
• dispose of
• disregard
• do without
• forgo
• get rid of
• ignore
• relinquish
• waive