disposal

¹ American  

[dih-spoh-zuhl] / dɪˈspoʊ zəl /

noun

1. an electrical device in the drain of a sink, for grinding up garbage to be washed down the drain.

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disposal ² American  

[dih-spoh-zuhl] / dɪˈspoʊ zəl /

noun

1. an act or instance of disposing; arrangement.

   the disposal of the troops.

2. a disposing of or getting rid of something.

   the disposal of waste material.

3. a disposing or allotting of, as by gift or sale; bestowal or assignment.

   She left no will to indicate the disposal of her possessions.

4. power or right to dispose of a thing; control.

   left at his disposal.

   Synonyms:

   management, direction, command

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disposal British  

/ dɪˈspəʊzəl /

noun

1. the act or means of getting rid of something

2. placement or arrangement in a particular order

3. a specific method of tending to matters, as in business

4. the act or process of transferring something to or providing something for another

5. the power or opportunity to make use of someone or something (esp in the phrase at one's disposal )

6. a means of destroying waste products, as by grinding into particles

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disposal Idioms  

1. see put at someone's disposal.

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Etymology

Origin of disposal¹

Short for garbage-disposal; disposal ¹

Origin of disposal¹

First recorded in 1620–30; dispose + -al ²

Example Sentences

If Allen doesn’t follow through with an expected sale soon after the season’s completion, additional punishments would be an option at the league’s disposal.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Naval warfare is technological. You cannot overwhelm an area with 'meat'," Pletenchuk says, using the term to refer to the sheer number of soldiers at Russia's disposal.

From BBC

Now he has more forces at his disposal.

From The Wall Street Journal

This has led to problems with the vessel's waste disposal and cleaning mechanisms, leading to blocked toilets and unsanitary living conditions, they added.

From BBC

A judge told Smith, formerly of North Grimsby, Arbroath, that the only possible disposal for her offending was "a significant custodial sentence".

From BBC

Related Words

• clearance
• demolition
• destruction
• disposition
• dumping
• removal
• transfer