dispensed; dispensing
Definition of dispense
1a : 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
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
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Time Traveler for dispense
The first known use of dispense was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century