dispense

[dih-spens]

verb (used with object)

dispensed, dispensing 

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)

dispensed, dispensing 

1. to grant dispensation.

noun

1. Obsolete.,  expenditure.

verb phrase

1. dispense with

   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. 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 Word Forms

• undispensed 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

Venkatesham was at the heart of the decision to dispense with Emery just 18 months after his appointment.

From BBC

This is a well-worn theme of Starmer's leadership, but he is willing to demote, sideline or dispense with people who have served him very closely.

From BBC

Michaels and Harper claimed a level of authority on healthy living that they didn’t have, and the docuseries alleges they dispensed advice that contradicted what the show’s medical expert, Dr. Robert Huizenga, told participants.

From Salon

The medicine dispensed by the governor tastes especially bitter to those who suffer from a lack of self-awareness.

From Salon

The Welsh government said Xonvea could be prescribed in exceptional cases where other treatments have failed, with more than 750 prescriptions dispensed since January.

From BBC

Related Words

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