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dis·pense (dĭ-spĕns)
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v. dis·pensed, dis·pens·ing, dis·pens·es
v.tr.
1.
a. To give or deal out, especially in parts or portions: a machine that dispenses candy; a neighbor who freely dispenses advice. See Synonyms at distribute.
b. To prepare and give out (medicines).
2. To administer (laws, for example).
3. To exempt or release, as from a duty or religious obligation.
v.intr.
To grant a dispensation or exemption.
Phrasal Verb:
dispense with
1. To manage without; forgo: Let's dispense with the formalities.
2. To get rid of; do away with: a country that has dispensed with tariff barriers.
[Middle English dispensen, from Old French dispenser, from Latin dispēnsāre, to distribute, frequentative of dispendere, to weigh out : dis-, out; see DIS- + pendere, to weigh; see (s)pen- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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