dispense

verb

dis·​pense di-ˈspen(t)s How to pronounce dispense (audio)
dispensed; dispensing

transitive verb

1
a
: to divide and share out according to a plan : to deal out in portions
dispense food among the needy
b
: administer
dispense justice
2
: to exempt from a law or release from a vow, oath, or impediment : to give dispensation (see dispensation sense 2a) to : exempt
may dispense students from this requirement
3
: to prepare and distribute (medication)
dispensing pills to their patients

intransitive verb

archaic : to grant dispensation
Phrases
dispense with
1
: to set aside : discard
dispensing with the usual introduction
2
: to do without
could dispense with such a large staff
Choose the Right Synonym for dispense

distribute, dispense, divide, deal, dole out mean to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group.

distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

dispense suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need.

dispensed wisdom to the students

divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

Examples of dispense in a Sentence

The ATM only dispenses $20 bills. a newspaper columnist who dispenses advice to millions of readers each week Pharmacists are certified to dispense medication.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With that, they’re equipped with the energy and focus to dispense their own pep talks again. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024 In January 2023, Sinema, speaking in Davos, Switzerland, told many of the world’s wealthiest and most influential leaders there was no need to dispense with the legislative filibuster after the 2022 midterms two months earlier. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 12 Nov. 2024 Biden’s strategy of slowly dispensing allied weapons stocks telegraphs to U.S. adversaries the limits of Washington’s support and the fragility of its commitment to Kyiv’s success. Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024 That unit dispenses prescriptions in CVS’ more than 9,000 retail pharmacies and provides other pharmacy services, such as vaccinations and diagnostic testing. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dispense 

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispense was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dispense

Cite this Entry

“Dispense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispense. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

dispense

verb
dis·​pense dis-ˈpen(t)s How to pronounce dispense (audio)
dispensed; dispensing
1
a
: to give out in shares
dispense charity
b
: to give out as deserved
dispense justice
2
: to prepare and give out (medicines)

Medical Definition

dispense

transitive verb
dis·​pense dis-ˈpen(t)s How to pronounce dispense (audio)
dispensed; dispensing
1
: to put up (a prescription or medicine)
2
: to prepare and distribute (medication)

More from Merriam-Webster on dispense

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