dispose

verb

dis·pose | \ di-ˈspōz

disposed; disposing

Definition of dispose

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to give a tendency to : incline faulty diet disposes one to sickness

2a : to put in place : set in readiness : arrange disposing troops for withdrawal

b obsolete : regulate

c : bestow

intransitive verb

1 : to settle a matter finally

2 obsolete : to come to terms

dispose of

1 : to place, distribute, or arrange especially in an orderly way disposing of the weapons in the new fort

2a : to transfer to the control of another disposing of personal property to a total stranger

b(1) : to get rid of how to dispose of toxic waste

(2) : to deal with conclusively disposed of the matter efficiently

dispose

noun

Definition of dispose (Entry 2 of 2)

1 obsolete : disposal

2 obsolete

a : disposition

b : demeanor

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Choose the Right Synonym for dispose

Verb

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

In response, nearly half a million Army service members packed their uniforms in boxes to be disposed of, donated, or stored somewhere gathering dust. — Claire Gibson, Marie Claire, "Why My Relationship With Camo Print Is Messy," 29 Apr. 2019 Fast fashion didn’t emerge quite that long ago, but the concept of disposability—and a lack of concern for the items being disposed of—eventually trickled into our closets, too. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "What Is All of This Packaging Doing to the Planet? These Companies Have a Few (Surprisingly Luxe) Ideas for Solving the Problem," 24 Apr. 2019 The justices, in an 8-1 decision, disposed of the case on procedural grounds, finding a lower court needed to reconsider whether the plaintiffs who brought class-action claims against Google had a proper basis for the lawsuit. ... — Brent Kendall, WSJ, "Supreme Court Ducks Class-Action Ruling on Distribution of Google Settlement Funds," 20 Mar. 2019 Some guests get to take home a small bag of sand, Nappi said, but the rest had to be disposed of properly, per the monks' ritual, on the grounds of Copper Beech Institute. — Michael Walsh, Courant Community, "Tibetan Buddhist Monks Visit Copper Beech Institute," 24 Apr. 2018 Cremation and burial, the most common ways that bodies are disposed of after death, haven’t fundamentally changed in quite some time. — Hayley Campbell, WIRED, "A New Way to Dispose of Corpses—With Chemistry!," 27 Mar. 2018 Flags damaged beyond repair should be disposed of in a dignified manner, such as burning. — Country Living Staff, Country Living, "American Flag Etiquette: Here's How to Properly Display the American Flag," 29 May 2018 Some of the most shocking details to arise from the murders were how the cousins allegedly disposed of their victims’ bodies. — Patricia Madej, Philly.com, "Lured victims, 'pig roaster' and other grisly details to emerge from the Bucks County slayings," 16 May 2018 Residents can dispose of branches and tree trimmings in the five-week collection period that runs through June 15. — Michelle Mullins, Elgin Courier-News, "Naperville News Digest," 12 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

To keep the wolf from the door, the Kents have had to auction off furniture, jewelry, and other heirlooms, as well as dispose of their beloved country estates. — David Mcclure, Town & Country, "How Queen Elizabeth's Fortune Is Divided Among the Members of the Royal Family," 16 Feb. 2019 Or what if Betty puts on her black wig, murders Edgar, and Veronica helps her dispose of the body? — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Riverdale's Cult Plot Is the Only Thing I Care About Right Now," 10 Oct. 2018 Martinez helped dispose of her best friend’s body, police said. — Katherine Lam, Fox News, "Woman whose body found in bags at NYC parks beaten to death by best friend’s boyfriend, cops say," 30 Aug. 2018 That has been central to a decadeslong battle over the EPA’s role in regulating how much carbon industrial businesses dispose of into the atmosphere. — Timothy Puko, WSJ, "EPA Is Set to Roll Back Restrictions on Coal-Burning Power Plants," 18 Aug. 2018 Investigators believe Boswell, who lived with Trail, helped him dismember Loofe and dispose of her remains. — Nicole Darrah, Fox News, "Nebraska couple charged with brutally murdering, dismembering Tinder date," 12 June 2018 When finished, allow used fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes, submerge in water, drain, place in a plastic bag & dispose of outside in a covered trash can. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Fourth of July: Best tips to stay safe when using fireworks," 4 July 2018 To prevent intentional or unintentional overexposure to these medications, Alexander also suggests that parents store them in a safe place and dispose of any unused medications. — Mark Lieber, CNN, "Unnecessary and accidental use of ADHD drugs increases over 60%, study suggests," 21 May 2018 The take-make-dispose model has not only environmental but also economic and social costs, new research shows. — Lorraine Mirabella, baltimoresun.com, "Fast fashion fuels sustainable-apparel movement," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dispose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.