dispose

[dih-spohz]

verb (used with object)

disposed, disposing 

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)

disposed, disposing 

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. dispose of

   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. 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. to accustom or condition

noun

1. an obsolete word for disposal disposition

Other Word Forms

• disposer noun
• disposingly adverb
• redispose verb (used with object)

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

HFCs can escape into the atmosphere if air-con units are damaged or not properly disposed of.

From BBC

Furthermore, the prosecution argued, Patterson spent the days after the lunch disposing of evidence and lying to police.

From BBC

Users were advised to delete their chat histories and dispose of their devices.

From BBC

Weapons were stockpiled in huge quantities during the conflict and then had to be disposed of, with much just dumped in the sea.

From BBC

If you find any contaminated cookies, they should be disposed of immediately.

From Salon

Related Words

• adapt 
• incline 
• predispose 
• tempt