expedite

[ ek-spi-dahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·pe·dit·ed, ex·pe·dit·ing.

1. to speed up the progress of; hasten:

   to expedite shipments.

   Synonyms: hurry, accelerate, push, quicken

   Antonyms: delay

2. to accomplish promptly, as a piece of business; dispatch:

   to expedite one's duties.

3. to issue or dispatch, as an official document or letter.

adjective

1. Obsolete. ready for action; alert.

expedite

/ ˈɛkspɪˌdaɪt /

verb

1. to hasten the progress of; hasten or assist
2. to do or process (something, such as business matters) with speed and efficiency
3. rare.
   to dispatch (documents, messages, etc)

adjective

1. unimpeded or prompt; expeditious
2. alert or prepared

Word History and Origins

Origin of expedite¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin expedītus (past participle of expedīre “to disengage, set the feet free”), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + ped- (stem of pēs ) foot + -ītus adjective suffix ( -ite ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of expedite¹

C17: from Latin expedīre, literally: to free the feet (as from a snare), hence, liberate, from ex- ¹+ pēs foot

Example Sentences

But for the role of Luke, he got an expedited education.

From Los Angeles Times

The American Civil Liberties Union sued the federal government on Monday, demanding information on how expedited deportations would take place.

From New York Times

Assuming he denies the stay, the order would go back to the appeals court for an expedited hearing while it conducts what could be a lengthy review of the remainder of the judgment, Rosenbaum said.

From Los Angeles Times

On Friday, he issued an executive order to expedite debris removal and mobilize the California National Guard.

From Los Angeles Times

"Ministers and officials continue to push CalMac to ensure all options to expedite repairs are being considered," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• accelerate
• assist
• facilitate
• hasten
• promote
• quicken
• speed
• urge