dispose

1 of 2

verb

dis·​pose di-ˈspōz How to pronounce dispose (audio)
disposed; disposing
Synonyms of disposenext

transitive verb

1
: to give a tendency to : incline
faulty diet disposes one to sickness
2
a
: to put in place : set in readiness : arrange
disposing troops for withdrawal
b
: bestow
c
obsolete : regulate

intransitive verb

1
: to settle a matter finally
2
obsolete : to come to terms
disposer noun

dispose

2 of 2

noun

1
obsolete : disposal
2
obsolete
a
: disposition
b
: demeanor
Phrases
dispose of
1
a(1)
: to get rid of
how to dispose of toxic waste
(2)
: to deal with conclusively
disposed of the matter efficiently
b
: to transfer to the control of another
disposing of personal property to a total stranger
2
: to place, distribute, or arrange especially in an orderly way
disposing of the weapons in the new fort

Synonyms

Verb

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for dispose

incline, bias, dispose, predispose mean to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something.

incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

Examples of dispose in a Sentence

Verb looking for the perfect spot to dispose the new knickknack disposed the surgical instruments in the exact order in which they would be needed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The agency also provides recommendations for how to safely dispose of different types of drugs. —Keren Landman, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 Leilani Simon, a Georgia mother found guilty of murdering her son and disposing of his body in a trash bin, will be sentenced later this month. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Remove diseased twigs by cutting them several inches below the affected area and burn or dispose of prunings in the garbage. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 The bottom container just needs a quick rinse with soap and warm water, and before doing the same to the lid, simply remove the white piece from the grid to dispose of any residue caught in the prongs. —Bridget Degnan, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dispose 

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French desposer, from Latin disponere to arrange (perfect indicative disposui), from dis- + ponere to put — more at position

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispose was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing dispose

Dictionary Entries Near dispose

disposal field

dispose

disposedly

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispose. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

dispose

verb
dis·​pose
dis-ˈpōz
disposed; disposing
1
: incline entry 1 sense 2
I was not disposed to go to the meeting
2
: to put in place or in readiness : arrange
you'll need more room to dispose your legs comfortably
disposer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dispose

Nglish: Translation of dispose for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of dispose for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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