English Dictionary

Definition of “dispose”

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dispose (dɪˈspəʊzPronunciation for dispose) 

Definitions

verb

  1. (intr) of 
    1. to deal with or settle
    2. to give, sell, or transfer to another
    3. to throw out or away
    4. to consume, esp hurriedly
    5. to kill
  2. to arrange or settle (matters) by placing into correct or final condition  ⇒ man proposes, God disposes 
  3. (tr) to make willing or receptive
  4. (tr) to adjust or place in a certain order or position
  5. (tr) to to accustom or condition

noun

  1. an obsolete word for disposal , disposition

Alternative Forms

disˈposer noun

Word Origin

C14: from Old French disposer,  from Latin dispōnere  to set in different places, arrange, from dis-C14: from Old French from Latin to set in different places, arrange, from 1 + to place + pōnere to place

Usage examples

  • He was preparing to dispose his effects about the room when he realized he had no effects to dispose.
    Brandon, Ruth, Left, Right and Centre (1986)
  • Leftover chemicals are dangerous to handle and expensive to dispose of.
    New Scientist (1999)
  • Our second projection is that the Ottawa Senators should dispose of the New York Islanders in no less than five games.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Wenger, with Pires now in dispose for up to a month, will call upon Bergkamp to fill the Frenchman's creative boots.
    Glasgow Herald (2002)
  • Both need medical treatment to dispose of the excess copper.
    Mervyn, Leonard, Thorsons' Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals (1989)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'D'

Related Terms

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