dispense
/dɪˈspens/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈspens/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈspen(t)s/ (ame, mw)
dispense — 動詞
- 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
發放
分配物資或服務給需要的人
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.
那家慈善機構向受洪水影響的家庭發放了熱食和毛毯。
dispense + noun + to + recipient
Hot meals were dispensed from a mobile kitchen set up in the park after the earthquake.
地震過後，熱食從公園裡設置的流動廚房發放出來。
passive: be dispensed from + source
The university's financial aid office dispenses scholarships to students from low-income backgrounds.
大學的獎助學金辦公室向低收入家庭的學生發放獎學金。
At the train station, a machine dispenses tickets and shows the departure times on a screen.
在火車站，有一台機器會出票，並在螢幕上顯示發車時間。
Vending machines along the hospital corridor dispense snacks and drinks around the clock.
醫院走廊上的自動販賣機全天候供應零食和飲料。
- 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
配藥
根據處方準備並給藥
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.
藥劑師配發了抗生素，並說明需要隨餐服用。
dispense + medication + explain usage
Dr. Okafor's prescription was dispensed at the hospital pharmacy within fifteen minutes.
Dr. Okafor 的處方在十五分鐘內就在醫院藥局配好了。
passive: prescription + be dispensed + at + place
Modern pharmacies use automated machines to help dispense medications accurately and quickly.
現代的藥局使用自動化機器來協助快速準確地配藥。
The clinic dispenses free malaria medication to children under five during the rainy season.
這間診所在雨季期間免費提供五歲以下兒童瘧疾藥物。
After checking the dosage carefully, Amara dispensed the insulin vials to the waiting patient.
仔細檢查劑量後，Amara 將胰島素藥瓶配發給等候的病人。
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
豁免
正式免除法律或宗教義務
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.
主教豁免了那對年輕夫婦在教堂結婚前通常所需的等待期。
dispense + person + from + obligation
Students who can prove financial hardship may be dispensed from paying the application fee by the committee.
能證明經濟困難的學生，可由委員會豁免繳納申請費。
passive: may be dispensed from + obligation
The court dispensed the witness from her oath after she became too distressed to continue.
當證人因過於痛苦而無法繼續時，法院豁免了她的宣誓義務。
Under canon law, a priest can dispense a parishioner from a religious vow in certain circumstances.
根據教會法，神父在特定情況下可以豁免教民的宗教誓言。
Anyone serving on the jury for more than three months can be dispensed from further service by the judge.
陪審員若服務超過三個月，可由法官豁免後續的陪審義務。
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.