First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
dispense
verb dis·pense \di-ˈspen(t)s\
: to give or provide (something)
: to prepare and give (medicine)
dis·penseddis·pens·ing
Full Definition of DISPENSE
transitive verb
1
a : to deal out in portions b : administer <dispense justice>
2
: to give dispensation to : exempt
3
: to prepare and distribute (medication)
intransitive verb
archaic : to grant dispensation
— dispense with
1
: to set aside : discard <dispensing with the usual introduction>
2
: to do without <could dispense with such a large staff>
See dispense defined for English-language learners
See dispense defined for kids
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Origin of DISPENSE
Middle English, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin dispensare to exempt, from Latin, to distribute, from dis- + pensare to weigh, frequentative of pendere to weigh, pay out — more at spin
Related to DISPENSE
- Synonyms
- allocate, apportion, deal (out), administer, distribute, dole out, hand out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate
- Antonyms
- misallocate
Synonym Discussion of DISPENSE
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>.
Rhymes with DISPENSE
DISPENSED Defined for Kids
dispense
verb dis·pense \di-ˈspens\
dis·penseddis·pens·ing
Definition of DISPENSE for Kids
1
: to give out in small amounts <The machine dispenses candy.>
2
: to give out as deserved <The judge dispensed justice.>
3
: to put up or prepare medicine in a form ready for use
— dispense with
: to do or get along without <Let's dispense with introductions.>
Medical Dictionary
dispense
transitive verb dis·pense \dis-ˈpen(t)s\
dis·penseddis·pens·ing
Medical Definition of DISPENSE
1
: to put up (a prescription or medicine)
2
: to prepare and distribute (medication)
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