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

But he was always uncommonly gracious, a truly gentle man, willing to dispense wisdom and perspective when asked.

From The Daily Beast

The question is not whether they are right or wrong but why they feel an impulse to dispense their advice in the first place.

From The Daily Beast

Instead of the eight flavors a typical fountain could dispense, they might want 15 or 20.

From The Daily Beast

Let's hope they dispense with the slow courtship and start to dance.

From The Daily Beast

As nice as it would have been to dispense with the fairy tale tropes altogether, they are necessary here.

From The Daily Beast

With his pipe he would not dispense, and he always took two or three puffs, at least, before undertaking anything.

From Project Gutenberg

Divinely precious and infinitely perfect as it is, there is no part of it with which he can dispense.

From Project Gutenberg

She belonged to that ultra-modern school which scorns to sue masculine admiration, but which cannot dispense with it nevertheless.

From Project Gutenberg

There were very few days during our entire summer's tour when one could dispense with cloaks and overcoats.

From Project Gutenberg

At no time in the summer were we able to dispense for any length of time with heavy wraps and robes while on the road.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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