dispense


dis·pense

verb \di-ˈspen(t)s\
dis·penseddis·pens·ing

Definition of DISPENSE

transitive verb
1
a : to deal out in portions b : administer <dispense justice>
2
: to give dispensation to : exempt
3
: to prepare and distribute (medication)
intransitive verb
archaic : to grant dispensation
dispense with
1
: to set aside : discard <dispensing with the usual introduction>
2
: to do without <could dispense with such a large staff>

Examples of DISPENSE

  1. The ATM only dispenses $20 bills.
  2. a newspaper columnist who dispenses advice to millions of readers each week
  3. Pharmacists are certified to dispense medication.

Origin of DISPENSE

Middle English, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin dispensare to exempt, from Latin, to distribute, from dis- + pensare to weigh, frequentative of pendere to weigh, pay out — more at spin
First Known Use: 14th century

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: dispenser
Previous Word in the Dictionary: dispensatory
All Words Near: dispense

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up dispense? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More