dispose

1 of 2

verb

dis·​pose di-ˈspōz How to pronounce dispose (audio)
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
b
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
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
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.
Verb
The footage, which was played in court on Friday, shows the individual disposing of an object in dumpster at an apartment complex not far from the crime scene. Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2024 Over the past 12 years, the Board of Land Commissioners has disposed three parcels of land near the national park to the U.S. Department of Interior. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024 However, when the hunting season ends, many Galgos are abandoned or disposed of. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Store trash in lidded containers, and make sure to dispose of trash in an outdoor container with a lid. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dispose 

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near dispose

Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispose. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on dispose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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