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

He promised to quickly expedite permitting and fracking - "We’re drilling, drilling, drilling," he told Fox News host Sean Hannity last year.

From BBC

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

And the SF Standard reported that Breed accused Farrell of asking her office to expedite permits to renovate his house, a claim he has denied.

From Los Angeles Times

With the project’s $155-million first phase, which will include restaurants, bars and shops, set to open late next year, its developers announced plans to expedite construction of the next phase, which calls for more food tenants as well as an array of outdoor pickleball and padel courts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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