ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dispose

v.
US //dɪˈspoʊz// UK //dɪspˈəʊz// dis·pose
  1. 1 to get rid of (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to throw something away or get rid of it, especially something you no longer want or need.

    to get rid of or eliminate something. This sense is almost always used with the preposition 'of'.

    Example

    The company must find a safe way to dispose of its chemical waste.

    Example

    The hospital follows strict protocols to dispose of biological hazards, ensuring that no contaminated materials enter the local water supply.

    Usage

    Always takes the preposition 'of' when meaning to discard something.

    Teacher's tip

    This is the most common modern use of the word. Students often forget the 'of'.
    Pitfall
    He disposed the old newspapers.
    He disposed of the old newspapers.

    When you mean 'to throw away', you must use the preposition 'of' after the verb.

  2. 2 to arrange (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    to put things in a particular order or position.

    to distribute or arrange items in a particular order or position. Transitive use.

    Example

    The soldiers were disposed along the river to guard the bridge.

    Example

    The interior designer disposed the furniture in a way that maximised natural light while maintaining a clear path to the balcony.

    Usage

    Used as a transitive verb without 'of'.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is quite formal and often appears in military or artistic descriptions.
  3. 3 to incline or influence (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    to make someone feel a certain way or have a particular opinion.

    to make someone liable or inclined to a certain attitude, action, or condition.

    Example

    Her friendly manner disposed me to like her immediately.

    Example

    A lack of sleep can dispose a person to making poor decisions during high-stakes negotiations.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice ('be disposed to') or with a direct object and a 'to' infinitive.

    Teacher's tip

    In academic writing, 'predispose' is often used as a more specific alternative for medical or psychological contexts.
Origin

From French disposer.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Last updated June 20, 2026