Dispense: meaning, definitions and examples

To give out or distribute something, often used in the context of medicine or services.

• The pharmacist will dispense the medication
• The vending machine dispenses snacks

To divide and give out something, often used in the context of physical goods, information, or resources.

• The charity will distribute food to the needy
• The company distributed the new software to all its employees

To manage or supervise the execution or application of something, often used in formal or medical contexts.

• The nurse will administer the vaccine
• The government administers the welfare program

To make something available or supply something, often in the context of services or necessary items.

• The host provided food and drinks for the guests
• The school provides free lunch to its students

To set apart or designate something for a specific purpose, often used in the context of resources or budgets.

• The budget committee will allocate funds for the new project
• The teacher allocated extra time for the test

Use 'dispense' when distributing or providing something, especially in an official or organized manner.

• The school nurse is allowed to dispense medication to students.
• The machine can dispense both hot and cold beverages.

Use 'exempt' when freeing someone from an obligation or duty that others must perform.

• Students who score above 90% in the preliminary exam are exempt from taking the final exam.
• He was exempt from jury duty because he was the sole caregiver for his elderly mother.

Use 'waive' when formally relinquishing or giving up a right, claim, or privilege.

• The company decided to waive the fee for early cancellation.
• He chose to waive his right to a lawyer and spoke to the police alone.

Use 'forgo' to indicate the act of deciding not to have or do something, often as a sacrifice.

• She decided to forgo dessert to maintain her diet.
• They had to forgo their annual vacation due to budget constraints.

Use 'omit' when something is deliberately left out or not included. It can have a negative connotation if something important is left out.

• You can omit the salt from this recipe if you're on a low-sodium diet.
• The report was incomplete because crucial data was omitted.