Translate dispense | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of dispense
verb
1 [with object] distribute or provide (a service or information) to a number of people:he dispensed a gentle pat on Claude’s back (of a machine) supply (a product or cash):the machines dispense a range of drinks and snacks (of a pharmacist) make up and give out (medicine) according to a doctor’s prescription.
2 [no object] (
dispense with)
manage without; get rid of:let’s dispense with the formalities, shall we? give special exemption from (a law or rule):the secretary of state was empowered to dispense with the nationality requirement in individual cases [with object] grant (someone) an exemption from a religious obligation:the pope personally nominated him as bishop, dispensing him from his impediment
