1 [with object] distribute or provide (a service or information) to a number of people:orderlies went round dispensing drinks
(of a machine or container) supply or release (a product or cash):the machines dispense a range of drinks (as adjective dispensing)a dispensing machine
(of a chemist) make up and give out (medicine) according to a doctor’s prescription:he was stopped from dispensing prescriptions
2 [no object] (dispense with) manage without or get rid of:let’s dispense with the formalities, shall we?
give special exemption from (a law or rule):the Secretary of State was empowered to dispense with the nationality requirement in individual cases
[with object] grant (someone) an exemption from a religious obligation:the Pope personally nominated him as bishop, dispensing him from his impediment
dispense with someone's services
dismiss someone from a job:the club have no option but to dispense with his services
