dispose of

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

dis•pose /dɪˈspoʊz/   v., -posed, -pos•ing. 

1. [ ~ + obj] to give a tendency or inclination to;
   incline:
   His temperament disposed him to argue.
2. [ ~ + obj] to put in a particular order or arrangement:
   disposed his troops along the southern border.
3. dispose of, [~ + of + object]
   • to deal with conclusively;
     settle:
     Let's dispose of this matter once and for all.
   • to get rid of;
     discard or destroy:
     Dispose of the waste papers in this bin.
   • to give away or sell:
     His property holdings will be disposed of in his will.

See -pos-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

dis•pose  (di spōz′), v., -posed, -pos•ing, n. 
v.t. 

1. to give a tendency or inclination to;
   incline:
   His temperament disposed him to argue readily with people.
2. to put in a particular or the proper order or arrangement;
   adjust by arranging the parts.
3. to put in a particular or suitable place:
   The lamp was disposed on a table nearby.
4. to make fit or ready;
   prepare:
   Your words of cheer dispose me for the task.

v.i. 

5. to arrange or decide matters:
   to do as God disposes.
6. [Obs.] to make terms.
7. dispose of:
   • to deal with conclusively;
     settle.
   • to get rid of;
     discard.
   • to transfer or give away, as by gift or sale.
   • to do away with;
     destroy.

n. 

8. [Archaic.] disposition;
   habit.
9. [Obs.] arrangement;
   regulation;
   disposal.

• Middle French disposer, equivalent. to dis- dis-¹ + poser to place (see pose¹), on the model of Latin dispōnere
• Middle English 1300–50

dis•pos′ing•ly, adv.