dispose

1 of 2

verb

dis·​pose di-ˈspōz 

disposed; disposing

transitive verb

1

: to give a tendency to : incline

faulty diet disposes one to sickness

2

a

: to put in place : set in readiness : arrange

disposing troops for withdrawal

b

: bestow

c

obsolete : regulate

intransitive verb

1

: to settle a matter finally

2

obsolete : to come to terms

disposer noun

dispose

2 of 2

noun

1

obsolete : disposal

2

obsolete

a

: disposition

b

: demeanor

Phrases

dispose of

1

a(1)

: to get rid of

how to dispose of toxic waste

(2)

: to deal with conclusively

disposed of the matter efficiently

b

: to transfer to the control of another

disposing of personal property to a total stranger

2

: to place, distribute, or arrange especially in an orderly way

disposing of the weapons in the new fort

Synonyms

Verb

• depose
• deposit
• emplace
• fix
• lay
• place
• position
• put
• set
• set up
• situate
• stick

Choose the Right Synonym for dispose

incline, bias, dispose, predispose mean to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something.

incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

Examples of dispose in a Sentence

Verb

looking for the perfect spot to dispose the new knickknack

disposed the surgical instruments in the exact order in which they would be needed

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The development of advanced water recycling plants wouldn’t necessarily eliminate the problem, because plants still would need to dispose of highly concentrated brine. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

In an interview with Regan recorded in 2006 and airing 12 years later, Simpson hypothetically described disposing of bloody clothes and getting the knife used in the murders from a friend named Charlie. —Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024

Then, Pierson saw industrial-size barrels, the ones used by cartels to dispose of human remains. —Beth Warren, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024

Their eggs are laid in masses on cars, trees and other outdoor surfaces, the agency said, recommending that people smash and scrape the masses into a plastic bag that's then sealed and disposed of in the trash. —Li Cohen, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2024

Another of the things that need to be looked at closely is how waste is disposed of, since landfills – and the food waste that gets dumped there – are a major source of methane emissions, Rabe said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024

There’s no little aluminum tab to pull off at the top, no plastic cup or internal filter to dispose of afterward. —Jaina Grey, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024

Last year, state police disposed of 11,582 firearms. —Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 31 Mar. 2024

Additionally, individuals can pack their waste, including empty toiletry bottles, to dispose of upon returning home, given the pressing waste management challenges facing the islands. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French desposer, from Latin disponere to arrange (perfect indicative disposui), from dis- + ponere to put — more at position

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dispose

• dispose of

Kids Definition

dispose

verb

dis·​pose

dis-ˈpōz

disposed; disposing

1

: incline entry 1 sense 2

I was not disposed to go to the meeting

2

: to put in place or in readiness : arrange

you'll need more room to dispose your legs comfortably

disposer noun