dispense

American  

[dih-spens] / dɪˈspɛns /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Usage

Dispense with is sometimes wrongly used where dispose of is meant: this task can be disposed of (not dispensed with ) quickly and easily

Related Words

See distribute.

Other Word Forms

• undispensed adjective

Etymology

Origin of dispense

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

Example Sentences

“Exactly what advice Ebel and Diestel dispensed to parishioners in a wide range of personal predicaments,” writes Mr. Clark, “we will never know.”

From The Wall Street Journal

He went on to launch “The Dr. Oz Show,” where he dispensed health advice to millions of viewers.

From Los Angeles Times

Microsoft has tried to entice more users to its consumer Copilot by launching new features, such as a tool announced last week that lets the chatbot dispense personalized healthcare advice informed by users’ medical history.

From The Wall Street Journal

Without questioning Theo’s authority or checking in again with me, the porter dispenses two tickets, handing Theo the printed billets and moving on to the next passengers.

From Literature

The new feature can dispense personalized healthcare advice that’s informed by medical records and personal health data, if users choose to upload them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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