Question

What does the word dispense mean based on the context clues provided? Two days had gone by since the shuttle's engines had died. Fortunately, the crew had power for light and heat, as well as a good supply of oxygen. Since the rescue ship from Earth wouldn't reach the shuttle for another two days, the captain decided it was time to dispense the rations.

Answer 1

Answer: to give out/distribute/pass around.

Explanation: Since the shuttle was delayed for another two days, it would only make sense that the captain decided to dispense -- otherwise, you could say -- give out the rations by hand. Here are some synonyms that could have alternatively been used: distribute, hand out, issue, or bestow.