First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1dispose
verb dis·pose \di-ˈspōz\
: to cause (someone) to be likely to do or have something
: to put (someone or something) in a particular position or place
dis·poseddis·pos·ing
Full Definition of DISPOSE
transitive verb
1
: to give a tendency to : incline <faulty diet disposes one to sickness>
2
intransitive verb
1
: to settle a matter finally
2
obsolete : to come to terms
— dis·pos·er noun
— dispose of
1
: to place, distribute, or arrange especially in an orderly way
2
a : to transfer to the control of another <disposing of personal property to a total stranger> b (1) : to get rid of <how to dispose of toxic waste> (2) : to deal with conclusively <disposed of the matter efficiently>
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Origin of DISPOSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French desposer, from Latin disponere to arrange (perfect indicative disposui), from dis- + ponere to put — more at position
Related to DISPOSE
Synonym Discussion of 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?>.
Rhymes with DISPOSE
2dispose
noun
DISPOSE Defined for Kids
dispose
verb dis·pose \dis-ˈpōz\
dis·poseddis·pos·ing
Definition of DISPOSE for Kids
: to put in place : arrange <Campsites were disposed around the lake.>
— dispose of
1
: to finish with <The matter was quickly disposed of.>
2
: to get rid of <Please dispose of trash properly.>
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