Dispose of Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dispose of
[dɪˈspoʊz ʌv ]
Definition
waste management
To get rid of something no longer needed or wanted, especially in a proper or safe way. This can include throwing away, recycling, or donating items.
Synonyms
discard, dispose, eliminate, remove, throw away.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dispose of |
Formal context, often used in written instructions or legal documents when referring to getting rid of something carefully or in a specific manner.
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| discard |
General usage, a slightly less formal way of saying that something is no longer needed or wanted and should be thrown away.
|
| eliminate |
Often used when completely getting rid of something, sometimes in competitive or problem-solving contexts. Can have a negative connotation if referring to removing people or entities.
|
| remove |
General usage, focusing on taking something away from a position or place, not necessarily throwing it away.
|
| dispose |
Formal and somewhat ambiguous as it can mean to arrange or to get rid of, typically followed by 'of' to specify the action of throwing away.
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| throw away |
Informal and common in everyday speech, used when referring to getting rid of something by putting it in the trash.
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Examples of usage
- Please dispose of your trash in the designated bins.
- It is important to dispose of electronic waste responsibly.
- The company hired a professional service to dispose of the hazardous materials.
- The government encourages citizens to dispose of old medications properly.
- I need to dispose of these old documents securely.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Environmental Science
- Proper disposal methods play a critical role in environmental protection, reducing pollution from waste.
- Landfills are the most common way of disposal, but they can lead to problems like soil and water contamination.
Pop Culture
- In detective novels and crime dramas, characters often dispose of evidence to hide their wrongdoings.
- Reality shows sometimes depict themes of disposal, such as clearing out belongings or decluttering spaces.
Psychology
- The act of disposing of possessions can relate to psychological concepts of attachment and emotional release.
- Studies show that decluttering can lead to reduced anxiety and improved mental clarity.
Legal Terminology
- In legal contexts, to dispose of may refer to the transfer of property ownership or the act of settling a matter.
- Different jurisdictions have specific laws regarding how certain items must be disposed of, especially hazardous wastes.
Origin of 'dispose of'
Main points about word origin
- The phrase originates from the Latin word 'disponere', which means to arrange or put away properly.
- The term 'dispose' entered Middle English in the 14th century, emphasizing the idea of arranging or allocating resources.
The word 'dispose of' originated from Middle English 'disposen', from Old French 'disposer', from Latin 'disponere' meaning 'to distribute, arrange'. The sense 'get rid of' dates back to the late 16th century.