dispense
to give something, often in fixed amounts, to people who want or need it
To give or distribute something, especially in measured amounts, to one or more people.
to measure, prepare, and give medicine to a patient as written by a doctor
Of a pharmacist or authorized professional, to prepare and supply a medicine according to a prescription or order.
to give or apply things like justice or punishment, especially when you have power or authority
To administer or apply something such as justice, punishment, or wisdom, especially in an official or authoritative way.
to give someone official permission not to follow a rule or duty
To officially allow someone not to follow a rule, law, or requirement that normally applies.
- Base: dispense
- 3rd Person Singular: dispenses
- Present Participle: dispensing
- Past: dispensed
dispense with
1Do without something unnecessary
to no longer have, use, or do something because you think it is not necessary
- Given the tight schedule, we decided to dispense with the usual introductions.
- Modern cars often dispense with a spare tire to save space and weight.
- If everyone agrees, we can dispense with a written contract and just send an email confirmation.
dispense with the formalities
1Skip polite social rituals
to skip the usual polite or official things, like long introductions or thanks, and go straight to the main point
- If you don't mind, I'll dispense with the formalities and get straight to the reason for my call.
- Since we're all friends here, let's dispense with the formalities and start eating.
dispense with the formalities
1skip polite or official steps
skip the formal steps
- To save time, the chair dispensed with the formalities and began the vote.
- They dispensed with the formalities and spoke frankly.
- In an emergency, you may be allowed to dispense with some of the usual formalities.