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

Other Words from dispose Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about dispose

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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

Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, for example—or (in the case of his gun) to dispose of it. — Lidija Haas, Harper's magazine, "New Books," 10 June 2019 But these government purchase programs build up huge surpluses that are hard to dispose of without depressing market prices. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, "Real World Economics: Weather, bad crops and lasting effects," 9 June 2019 The cheapest cargo option is $3,000/kg to get it there, then an additional $3,000/kg to dispose of it in the trash. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "NASA will allow private astronauts on the ISS for $11,250-$22,500 a day," 7 June 2019 Companies prefer to dispose of claims via arbitration rather than more expensive and complex class-action lawsuits filed by large groups of employees or consumers. — Seth Stern, Washington Post, "A venture capitalist’s solutions for our troubled legal system," 7 June 2019 Any resident who wishes to dispose of an unserviceable flag may bring the flag to Memorial Hall just prior to the ceremony or place the flag in the container at the entrance door. — courant.com, "Community News For The Windsor Locks Edition," 5 June 2019 Be on the lookout for these pests and make sure to dispose of them before other plants are harmed. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "This $15 Plant From Amazon Will Turn Your Backyard Into a Monarch Butterfly Paradise," 30 Apr. 2019 Americans use and dispose of 500 million plastic straws every single day—and that's 500 million too many. — Popular Mechanics, "Ditch Plastic And Sip Your Drinks With These Planet-Friendly Metal Straws," 18 Apr. 2019 Bring it to your local VFW chapter, where unrepairable flags are collected and disposed of properly. — Cindy Dampier, chicagotribune.com, "Are flag-wearing celebs being disrespectful or just following their own American tradition?," 5 July 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.