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

Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of this and other respiratory illnesses.

From BBC

In part because they have disposed of his February Gaza "Riviera" plan which would have involved the forced displacement of Palestinians.

From BBC

Mr Mathur says that deeper judicial reforms - like a "uniform policy for hearing and disposing of cases" - are essential, rather than leaving it to individual judges.

From BBC

In the final days of his administration, President Biden approved funding and deployed federal agencies to start removing and disposing the most dangerous materials from affected properties.

From Los Angeles Times

He said ensuring food waste was correctly disposed of should be another priority.

From BBC

Related Words

• adapt 
• incline 
• predispose 
• tempt