apply vs dispense

apply and dispense both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apply	No	No	Yes	No
dispense	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, dispense is a hypernym of apply; that is, dispense is a word with a broader meaning than apply:

apply (verb)	dispense (verb)
ask (for something)	give or apply (medications)
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing	administer or bestow, as in small portions
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose	grant a dispensation; grant an exemption
coat, cover or smear a surface with
give or convey physically
avail oneself to
ensure observance of laws and rules
apply oneself to
be pertinent or relevant or applicable
be applicable to; as to an analysis