dispense
/dɪˈspens/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈspens/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈspen(t)s/ (ame, mw)
dispense — verb
- dispensepresent simple I / you / we / they
- dispenseshe / she / it
- dispensedpast simple
- dispensing-ing form
1. to give or distribute things such as services, products, or money to people, oft
to give or distribute things such as services, products, or money to people, often in a planned or organized way
The charity dispensed warm meals and blankets to families affected by the flood.
dispense + noun + to + recipient
Hot meals were dispensed from a mobile kitchen set up in the park after the earthquake.
passive: be dispensed from + source
The university's financial aid office dispenses scholarships to students from low-income backgrounds.
At the train station, a machine dispenses tickets and shows the departure times on a screen.
Vending machines along the hospital corridor dispense snacks and drinks around the clock.
- distribute
broader meaning; works for physical objects and abstract things like information
- hand out
informal equivalent; common in everyday speech
- issue
suggests an official or formal distribution, e.g. issuing passports or uniforms
- allocate
focuses on deciding how resources are shared among competing needs
文法句型
dispense + noun (product/service/money) + to + recipient
passive: noun + be dispensed + to/from + source
用法筆記
This sense has a formal tone. In everyday conversation, phrasal verbs like 'give out' or 'hand out' are more natural. 'Dispense' is typical of official, institutional, or mechanical contexts.
常見錯誤
2. to prepare medicines according to a doctor's prescription and give them to the p
to prepare medicines according to a doctor's prescription and give them to the person who needs them
The pharmacist dispensed the antibiotics and explained how to take them with food.
dispense + medication + explain usage
Dr. Okafor's prescription was dispensed at the hospital pharmacy within fifteen minutes.
passive: prescription + be dispensed + at + place
Modern pharmacies use automated machines to help dispense medications accurately and quickly.
The clinic dispenses free malaria medication to children under five during the rainy season.
After checking the dosage carefully, Amara dispensed the insulin vials to the waiting patient.
文法句型
dispense + medication/prescription/drugs
passive: prescription + be dispensed
用法筆記
In English, the person who writes the prescription 'prescribes', and the person who prepares and gives out the medicine 'dispenses'. These two roles should not be confused. 'Dispenser' refers to a person or a machine that dispenses medication.
常見錯誤
3. to officially free someone from a legal or religious rule, requirement, or promi
to officially free someone from a legal or religious rule, requirement, or promise that they would normally have to follow
The bishop dispensed the young couple from the usual waiting period for a church wedding.
dispense + person + from + obligation
Students who can prove financial hardship may be dispensed from paying the application fee by the committee.
passive: may be dispensed from + obligation
The court dispensed the witness from her oath after she became too distressed to continue.
Under canon law, a priest can dispense a parishioner from a religious vow in certain circumstances.
Anyone serving on the jury for more than three months can be dispensed from further service by the judge.
文法句型
dispense + person + from + obligation/vow/oath
be dispensed from + requirement
用法筆記
Very formal — mostly found in legal writing, church regulations, and official documents. The noun form 'dispensation' is more common in everyday formal use. 'Exempt' is a less formal alternative for non-legal situations.