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

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

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

The inspections uncovered thousands of unlawfully disposed items, including pesticide containers with liquids, foams, baits, pellets and aerosol sprays.

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‘He lived alone in Section 8 housing’: My late uncle’s landlord disposed of his art collection.

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She thought of the dreaded figure of Mr. Alpo, from the Giddy-Yap, Rainbow! tales, who disposed of unwanted ponies by taking them to the slaughterhouse.

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“I thought you said today’s tickets had all been disposed of?”

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He visually compares Man-soo’s wife’s head to the shovel that will be used to help dispose of victims, and the family’s house is superimposed over a bonfire, implying what’s at stake.

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Related Words

• adapt 
• incline 
• predispose 
• tempt