Definition of the word dispense

The word "dispense" originates from the Latin term "dispensare," which means "to distribute" or "to allocate." This Latin root is derived from "dis-" meaning "apart" and "pendere" meaning "to weigh" or "to distribute." In Latin, "dispensare" was used to describe the act of dispersing or distributing goods, money, or services. The word "dispense" was later borrowed into Middle English from Old French as "despenser," and evolved to its modern English form. In modern English, "dispense" can have various meanings, including to distribute or allocate something, to provide or supply something, or to overlook or manage something, such as dispensing medicine or dispensing justice.