# disposing

/dɪˈspoʊzɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪspˈəʊzɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disposing
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to get rid of something that you do not want or need anymore. You often use this when talking about throwing away trash or selling property.

For teachers: to get rid of something by throwing it away, giving it to someone else, or selling it. In legal and formal contexts, it refers to the final settlement or transfer of property and assets.

## Examples

- The factory must find a safe way of disposing of chemical waste.
- The court spent several months disposing of the various assets mentioned in the deceased man's will.
- Properly disposing of electronic components requires specialized facilities to prevent heavy metals from leaching into the soil and contaminating the local water supply.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is disposing the old furniture." but "He is disposing of the old furniture." — The verb requires the preposition 'of' when it means to get rid of something.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive in this sense and must be followed by the preposition 'of'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.