Dispense

Pronunciation

UK IPA: /dÉªsËˆpÉ›ns/
Rhymes: -É›ns

Origin

From Old French dispenser, from Latin dispensare ("to weight out, pay out, distribute, regulate, manage, control, dispense"), frequentative of dispendere ("to weight out"), from dis- ("apart") + pendere ("to weigh").

Full definition of dispense

Verb

To issue, distribute, or put out.

Sir Walter ScottHe is delighted to dispense a share of it to all the company.
1955, William Golding, The Inheritors, Faber and Faber 2005, p. 40:The smoky spray seemed to trap whatever light there was and to dispense it subtly.

To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct.to dispense justice

DrydenWhile you dispense the laws, and guide the state.

To supply or make up a medicine or prescription.The pharmacist dispensed my tablets.An optician can dispense spectacles.
To eliminate or do without; used intransitively with with.I wish he would dispense with the pleasantries and get to the point.
(obsolete) To give a dispensation to (someone); to excuse.

1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.34:After his victories, he often gave them the reines to all licenciousnesse, for a while dispencing them from all rules of military discipline ...
MacaulayIt was resolved that all members of the House who held commissions, should be dispensed from parliamentary attendance.
JohnsonHe appeared to think himself born to be supported by others, and dispensed from all necessity of providing for himself.

(intransitive, obsolete) To compensate; to make up; to make amends.

SpenserOne loving hour
For many years of sorrow can dispense.
GowerHis sin was dispensed
With gold, whereof it was compensed.

Derived terms

Noun

dispense

(plural dispenses)

(obsolete) Cost, expenditure.
(obsolete) The act of dispensing, dispensation.

Spenser Faerie Queene, II.xii:what euer in this worldly state
Is sweet, and pleasing vnto liuing sense,
Or that may dayntiest fantasie aggrate,
Was poured forth with plentifull dispence ....