dispose

[ dih-spohz ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·posed, dis·pos·ing.

1. to give a tendency or inclination to; incline:

   His temperament disposed him to argue readily with people.

2. to put in a particular or the proper order or arrangement; adjust by arranging the parts.
3. to put in a particular or suitable place:

   The lamp was disposed on a table nearby.

4. to make fit or ready; prepare:

   Your words of cheer dispose me for the task.

verb (used without object)

, dis·posed, dis·pos·ing.

1. to arrange or decide matters:

   to do as God disposes.

2. Obsolete. to make terms.

noun

1. Archaic. disposition; habit.
2. Obsolete. arrangement; regulation; disposal.

verb phrase

1. 1. to deal with conclusively; settle.
   2. to get rid of; discard.
   3. to transfer or give away, as by gift or sale.
   4. to do away with; destroy.

dispose

/ dɪˈspəʊz /

verb

1. intrfoll byof
   1. to deal with or settle
   2. to give, sell, or transfer to another
   3. to throw out or away
   4. to consume, esp hurriedly
   5. to kill
2. to arrange or settle (matters) by placing into correct or final condition

   man proposes, God disposes

3. tr to make willing or receptive
4. tr to adjust or place in a certain order or position
5. troften foll byto to accustom or condition

noun

1. See disposition, disposal
   an obsolete word for disposal disposition

Derived Forms

• disˈposer, noun

Other Words From

• dis·posing·ly adverb
• redis·pose verb (used with object) redisposed redisposing

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispose¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French disposer, equivalent to dis- dis- ¹ + poser “to place” ( pose ¹ ), on the model of Latin dispōnere

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispose¹

C14: from Old French disposer, from Latin dispōnere to set in different places, arrange, from dis- ¹+ pōnere to place

Example Sentences

Nothing much to use in cleaning up the baby and his mother after the birth, no place to dispose of the placenta.

From The Daily Beast

The Jewish Week reported that sources said Hynes was expected to dispose of the case with a lenient plea deal.

From The Daily Beast

And with so many pigs dying, farms have been challenged to try to find hygienic ways to dispose of the carcasses.

From The Daily Beast

He wanted to make sure that he had the maximum amount of time to attack his victim and dispose of her body.

From The Daily Beast

The Japanese team then folded, allowing Rong Guotuan quickly to dispose of his last opponent.

From The Daily Beast

But its use as such is to dispose of any such idea as that there is a natural price of coal or of anything else.

From Project Gutenberg

My object was to dispose of a cargo of cotton which I had brought from Realejo, and to purchase sugar in return.

From Project Gutenberg

Truce now, Gregory; and consider how we can best dispose ourselves here, till the morning.

From Project Gutenberg

During this journey I was an eye-witness of the manner in which the missionaries dispose of their religious tracts.

From Project Gutenberg

His creature has no right to ask the reason of His conduct; He can dispose at will of the works of His hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adapt
• incline
• predispose
• tempt