di ‧ spense /dɪˈspens/ BrE AmE verb [transitive] formal
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: dispensare 'to share out' , from pendere 'to weigh' ]
1 . to give something to people, especially in fixed amounts SYN give out
dispense something to somebody
Villagers dispensed tea to visitors.
a machine for dispensing cash
2 . to officially provide something for people
dispense justice (=decide whether or not someone is guilty of a crime and what punishment they should receive)
3 . to officially prepare and give medicines to people
dispense with something phrasal verb formal
to not use or do something that people usually use or do, because it is not necessary:
Ann suggested that they dispense with speeches altogether at the wedding.
dispense with sb’s services (=no longer employ someone)
Let’s dispense with the formalities (=speak openly and directly) , shall we?