dispose

1 of 2

verb

dis·​pose di-ˈspōz 

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

see also:

dispose of

dispose

2 of 2

noun

1

obsolete : disposal

2

obsolete

a

: disposition

b

: demeanor

Synonyms of dispose

Verb

• situate
• put
• place
• locate
• position
• deposit

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

Verb

Bissell stresses that consumers should not dispose of the machine, water tank cap, and measuring cup of cleaners, as those parts are not affected. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026

Consumers will be asked to upload photos showing the affected accessories disposed of in the trash to complete the process. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

These containers are often disposed of entirely and are picked up by private collection services. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026

Ammunition or fireworks should be disposed of through your local Fire Department. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing dispose

• dispose of

Rhymes for dispose

• aloes
• arose
• bedclothes
• bestows
• boroughs
• buboes
• cargoes
• cocos
• compose
• crossbows
• demos
• depose

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