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

The latest approval drew backlash from antiabortion lawmakers and groups that have questioned the drug’s safety and pushed for further restrictions on how it can be prescribed and dispensed.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

As the county prepares to start dispensing money in January, some firms say they’ve started to find a few flaws in their caseload.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Even so, sometimes we have to call the doctors because it's very important for us to dispense the correct medicine."

Read more on BBC

Then there are concerns about a weight-loss drug black market, or unscrupulous dispensing.

Read more on BBC

Smith says he witnessed this phenomena, and at that point decided to create an event that focused on realism and dispensed with the notion that there could be any illusions or magic.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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