dispose

verb dis·pose \ di-ˈspōz \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

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Examples: dispose in a Sentence

Definition of dispose

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 obsolete : regulate

c : bestow

intransitive verb

1 : to settle a matter finally

2 obsolete : to come to terms

—

disposer

noun

— dispose of

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

disposing of the weapons in the new fort

2 a : 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

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Examples of dispose in a Sentence

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 of dispose from the Web

Vista has yet to unload some of its biggest bets, and has never completed an initial public offering for a portfolio company—an avenue used frequently by other buyout firms to dispose of assets.

— laura cooper, WSJ, "Billionaire’s Secret Buyout Formula: 110 Instructions and an Intelligence Test," 9 July 2018
Like lead batteries, lithium batteries need to be disposed of at a home improvement store.

— marni jameson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Next generation of homeowners go for greener yard tools," 6 July 2018
In Pineville, two cars caught on fire shortly after midnight, prompting officials to encourage residents to properly dispose of their fireworks.

— lavendrick smith, charlotteobserver, "Fireworks cause house to catch fire in east Charlotte," 5 July 2018
Either that, or the NFL should just dump cheerleaders once and for all ... which is never happening, so best to just dispose of that proposal.

— mac engel, star-telegram, "Jerry, you're going to have to pay for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders," 19 June 2018
As Mr Pearce observes, similar attention is rarely given to various studies demonstrating that no link exists between nuclear plants and local cancer rates, nor the painstaking schemes, such as those in Germany, to safely dispose of nuclear waste.

— The Economist, "Secrets and lies of the nuclear age," 7 June 2018
Lebrun knew exactly where to dispose of Muns' body.

— jonathan leach, CBS News, "NCIS agents vow to solve "unsolvable" cold case and restore a sailor's honor," 29 May 2018
Mixon shot Christin James to death between Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, 2016, during a confrontation at Mixon's home and then tried to dispose of James' body, authorities said.

— bob warren, NOLA.com, "North Shore pair pleads guilty to roles in killing, coverup," 22 May 2018
Leonard said only about 25% of the waste the facility takes in comes from Detroit, and city residents pay more per ton — $25 — to dispose of their waste there than the Grosse Pointes or Warren (about $15 per ton).

— katrease stafford, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Renewable Power waste incinerator pollutes. Is DEQ doing enough?," 21 May 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.

Origin and Etymology of dispose

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

dispose Synonyms

Synonyms

arrange, array, classify, codify, draw up, lay out, marshal (also marshall), order, organize, range, systematize;

Antonyms

derange, disarrange, disarray, disorder, mess (up), muss (up), rumple, upset;

unscramble;

align (also aline), cue, line, line up, queue;

alphabetize, file, prioritize, sequence;

emplace, place, set;

display, map (out), set out;

Synonym Discussion of 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.