Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or means of getting rid of something: The action or process of throwing away or discarding waste or unwanted items.
   • The power or right to use or control something or someone: The authority to manage, employ, or make decisions about resources or people.
   • A method of managing affairs: A particular way of organizing, arranging, or handling matters, especially business or administrative ones.
   • A kitchen appliance for disposing of garbage: A device, typically installed under a sink, that grinds up food waste.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The city has improved its waste disposal services. (The city has enhanced its services for getting rid of trash.)
  • He had a large sum of money at his disposal. (He had the authority to use a large sum of money as he saw fit.)
  • The committee is responsible for the disposal of the company's assets. (The committee is in charge of the method for selling or transferring the company's assets.)
  • Please do not put metal in the garbage disposal. (Please do not put metal into the kitchen appliance that grinds waste.)

Advanced Usage

• "At one's disposal": Available for one to use as one wishes.

  • The library's resources are at your disposal. (The library's resources are available for you to use freely.)

• "Disposal of": The act of getting rid of or transferring ownership of something.

  • The disposal of hazardous materials is strictly regulated. (The process of discarding dangerous materials is controlled by strict rules.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dispose (verb): To get rid of something; to arrange or settle matters.

  • Please dispose of the old newspapers. (Please throw away the old newspapers.)

• Disposable (adjective): Designed to be thrown away after use; available for use.

  • We bought disposable plates for the picnic. (We bought plates meant to be thrown away after the picnic.)

Synonyms

• Discard: To get rid of something no longer useful or desirable.
• Elimination: The complete removal or destruction of something.
• Control: The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.
• Management: The process of dealing with or controlling things or people.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Dispose of: To throw away, give away, or sell something; to deal with a matter conclusively.
  • We need to dispose of this furniture before we move. (We need to get rid of this furniture before we move.)

Related Idioms

• At someone's disposal: Ready and available to help someone.
  • My car is at your disposal if you need it. (You are free to use my car if you need it.)

Noun

1. a kitchen appliance for disposing of garbage
2. the act or means of getting rid of something
3. a method of tending to or managing the affairs of a some group of people (especially the group's business affairs)
4. the power to use something or someone
   • used all the resources at his disposal