/ dɪˈspens; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
~ sth (to sb) to give out sth to people :
The machine dispenses a range of drinks and snacks.
2.
~ sth (to sb) ( formal ) to provide sth, especially a service, for people :
The organization dispenses free health care to the poor.
to dispense justice / advice
3.
to prepare medicine and give it to people, as a job :
to dispense a prescription
( BrE )
to dispense medicine
( BrE )
a dispensing chemist
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PHRASAL VERBS
- dispense with sb/sth
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin dispensare continue to weigh out or disburse, from the verb dispendere , based on pendere weigh.