dispense with

1. Manage without, forgo, as in We can dispense with the extra help . Shakespeare had this idiom in Timon of Athens (3:2): “Men must learn now with pity to dispense.” [c. 1600]

2. Get rid of, do away with, as in The European Union is trying to dispense with tariff barriers . [Late 1500s]

3. Exempt one from a law, promise, or obligation, as in He asked the court to dispense with swearing on the Bible . This usage originally applied to religious obligations (to which the Pope granted dispensation ). [Early 1500s]

Example Sentences

They use their college degrees to help their husbands dispense with menial tasks so he can focus on the more exciting — and visible — parts of his job.

From Salon

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

On Thursday Gardiner, the MP for Brent West, told the BBC he and his fellow MPs were not asking for biometric checks to be dispensed with, but for them to be deferred to other countries.

From BBC

Mr Gardiner said they were not asking for the checks to be dispensed with, but to be deferred to Egypt or Jordan.

From BBC

Related Words

• abolish 
• dispose of 
• disregard 
• do without 
• forgo 
• get rid of 
• ignore 
• relinquish 
• waive