dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-shən 

-ˌspen-

1

a

: a general state or ordering of things

specifically : a system of revealed (see reveal entry 1 sense 1) commands and promises regulating human affairs

a privilege maintained under the new dispensation

b

: a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature

involving special dispensation by the Church

2

a

: an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath

may be granted a dispensation from the rule

b

: a formal authorization

requested a dispensation to form another lodge

3

a

: the act of dispensing

the dispensation of medication

b

: something dispensed or distributed

… one of the most remarkable cultural dispensations in the country's history, the paperback book.

—T. E. Cooney

dispensational

ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌspen-

adjective

Synonyms

• admeasurement
• allocation
• allotment
• apportionment
• disbursement
• distribution
• division
• issuance

Examples of dispensation in a Sentence

The priest asked for dispensation from his vows.

The state gave the town a special dispensation, allowing it to ignore the law in this case.

Recent Examples on the Web

The last-minute dispensations happen for every show. —Bryan West, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

Yes, the emerging dispensation has room for a few Rogan-level leading lights. —Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024

Should there be an appetite for a new treaty, all 27 member states would have to agree to give the Netherlands special dispensation. —Molly Quell and Raf Casert, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024

Unwilling to reduce its power in any significant way or accept a change in the country’s political dispensation, the Afghan government didn’t want to negotiate with the Taliban. —Vanda Felbab-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 17 Aug. 2021

Word History

Etymology

see dispense

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən 

-ˌpen-

1

a

: a system of rules for ordering affairs

b

: a particular arrangement especially of nature

2

: release from a rule or from a vow or oath

3

a

: the act of dispensing

b

: something dispensed or distributed

dispensational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen- 

: the act of dispensing

the dispensation of medicines