dole out

distribute, dispense, divide, deal, dole out mean to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group. distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

• • distributed food to the needy

dispense suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need.

• • dispensed wisdom to the students

divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

• • three charitable groups divided the proceeds

deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

• • deal out equipment and supplies

dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

• • doled out what little food there was