The action of getting rid of something or the power to use something as one wishes. Can refer to waste management or having something at one's command.
From Old French 'disposer' meaning 'to arrange, regulate' (dis- 'apart' + poser 'to place'). The noun form emerged in the 17th century. Originally meant 'arrangement' but evolved to emphasize the act of getting rid of or having control over something.
The phrase 'at your disposal' beautifully captures the dual nature of this word - it suggests both service (something arranged for your use) and power (something under your control). Garbage disposals got their name because they 'dispose of' food waste by grinding it up.
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