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. 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

Some economists have argued that the differences are genetic - that Indian children are genetically disposed to lower heights.

From BBC

After being questioned, the suspect showed detectives where he had disposed of Ms Michalski's body, the police statement said.

From BBC

For residents who prefer to dispose of their crop, the food and agriculture department recommends double-bagging it and placing it in the regular trash, not the green waste bin.

From Los Angeles Times

In Adwa, officials who lack options to safely dispose of explosives carry them back at great personal risk to store them haphazardly in the compound of the town’s peace and security office.

From BBC

But a father or husband has free rein to dispose of his female property as he will.

From Salon

Related Words

• adapt
• incline
• predispose
• tempt