dispense Hear it!

dispense definition

dis·pense (di spens′)

transitive verb dispensed -·pensed′, dispensing -·pens′·ing

  1. to give or deal out; distribute
  2. to prepare and give out (medicines, prescriptions, etc.)
  3. to administer to dispense the law justly
  4. to exempt; excuse

Etymology: ME dispensen < OFr despenser < L dispensare, to pay out < pp. of dispendere, to weigh out < dis-, out + pendere, to weigh: see pendant

dispense Idioms

dispense with

  1. to get rid of; do away with
  2. to do without; manage without

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