dispatch

or des·patch

[ dih-spach ]

verb (used with object)

1. to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.
2. to dismiss (a person), as after an audience.
3. to put to death; kill:

   The spy was promptly dispatched.

4. to transact or dispose of (a matter) promptly or speedily.

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic. to hasten; be quick.

noun

1. the sending off of a messenger, letter, etc., to a destination.
2. the act of putting to death; killing; execution.
3. prompt or speedy transaction, as of business.
4. expeditious performance; promptness or speed:

   Proceed with all possible dispatch.

   Synonyms: celerity, alacrity, haste, rapidity

5. Commerce.
   1. a method of effecting a speedy delivery of goods, money, etc.
   2. a conveyance or organization for the expeditious transmission of goods, money, etc.
6. a written message sent with speed.
7. an official communication sent by special messenger.
8. Journalism. a news story transmitted to a newspaper, wire service, or the like, by one of its reporters, or by a wire service to a newspaper or other news agency.

dispatch

/ dɪˈspætʃ /

verb

1. to send off promptly, as to a destination or to perform a task
2. to discharge or complete (a task, duty, etc) promptly
3. informal.
   to eat up quickly
4. to murder or execute

noun

1. the act of sending off a letter, messenger, etc
2. prompt action or speed (often in the phrase with dispatch )
3. an official communication or report, sent in haste
4. journalism a report sent to a newspaper, etc, by a correspondent
5. murder or execution

Derived Forms

• disˈpatcher, noun

Other Words From

• outdis·patch verb (used with object)
• predis·patch noun verb (used with object)
• redis·patch verb (used with object)
• self-dis·patch noun
• undis·patched adjective
• undis·patching adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispatch¹

1510–20; < Italian dispacciare to hasten, speed, or < Spanish despachar both ultimately < Old French despeechier to unshackle, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + -peechier < Late Latin -pedicāre to shackle; impeach

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispatch¹

C16: from Italian dispacciare, from Provençal despachar, from Old French despeechier to set free, from des- dis- ¹+ -peechier, ultimately from Latin pedica a fetter

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. mentioned in dispatches, British. honored by being named in official military reports for special bravery or acts of service.

Example Sentences

The third call occurred in July 2023 and was made to a local police department dispatch number in Texas, in which he falsely identified himself as a senior federal law enforcement officer, provided the officer’s residential address to the dispatcher, claimed to have killed the officer’s mother, and threatened to kill any responding police officers.

From Los Angeles Times

Mary Banks of Columbus, Ohio, told the Columbus Dispatch that her 16-year old daughter and some of her friends received messages that included their names.

From Salon

At stops, Moreno called for the deportation of undocumented immigrants and defended himself against lawsuits from former employees that accused him of failing to pay overtime, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

From Salon

Moreno has voiced support for a 15-week national abortion ban during the state's primary and told a Cincinnati radio host in 2022 that he's "absolute pro-life, no exceptions," according to The Columbus Dispatch.

From Salon

Flooding across all lanes was reported about 1:30 a.m., according to the CHP dispatch logs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dismiss
• ship